Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Princess and the Boatshow

I made it out to Excel in the Docklands for the London International Boat Show yesterday. It's a good-sized show and I was able to spend three hours solely on the sail side of the hall and still feel there was a bit more to see, were I to look closer and spend more time with some of the displays.

I looked at all of the boats, but only went aboard the Southerly 49 on display. I was impressed with the swing keel and was fortunate to have a naval architect as my tour guide. He was even more enthusiastic about opening everything up and looking at how it was put together and talking about how things worked. Loved the washing machine tucked in behind the owner's head.


One feature of the Southerly I really liked was the raised salon table and the narrow galley along the starboard bulkhead. I could see this working well underway.



I saw a large military presence at the show, including sailors and marines, and was told that Princess Anne [early readers who re-read may note that I've added an e to the Princesses Anne; later readers are left with this unnecessary note] was visiting. She's Chuck's sister.

To top it all off, I ended the day at the Duke's Head for supper and a drink with Captain JP.

I understand the Duke's Head is Adam's favorite. It's a good spot, but a longer walk from the train station than the Boathouse.

7 comments:

Tillerman said...

Did you know that Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, The Princess Royal, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Dame Grand Cross and Grand Master of the Royal Victorian Order, Dame Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem is interested in lighthouses?

The O'Sheas said...

I had no idea. But then, I've not quite mastered my google like some of you fellas.

Maybe I'll go work on that right now.

Turinas said...

I am beyond jealous! The Duke's Head and dinner with you guys and Captain JP.

I bet they had a nice fire going. Did you try to Youngs Special?

Tillerman said...

Stop it! You're making me nostalgic for the olde countrie.

JP said...

I had the Young's Ordinary, the fire was indeed burning and we had a table by the window over looking the river.

Great evening :)

Pat said...

Is it possible that Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, The Princess Royal, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Dame Grand Cross and Grand Master of the Royal Victorian Order, Dame Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem would have any interest in the fate of Beachy Head and several other lighthouses that the Trinity House sorts think are surplus to needs?

The O'Sheas said...

I tried again, but I get lost at the part about the garter. I need more verbs and not so many nouns in my princess stories. I like girls of action.