Circe - ARC Blog submitted by Barry Creighton

Here’s an ARC 2022 blog post from S/V CIRCE:


DON’T GO UP THE RIGGING IN YOUR NEW LEATHER SHOES

Barry Creighton S/V CIRCE

Everyone needs a few good books on a long passage and I started with Eric Newby’s THE LAST GRAIN RACE — spurred by an interest in commercial sailing ships gained during the 2019 ARC Baltic.

Eric recounts his experience as a young English lad-of-means signing onboard the four-masted barque “Moshulu” in Belfast. As he made his way pier-side dressed in newly purchased finery and carrying a Louis Viton case, he was greeted by a gruff and well seasoned second mate.

As the mates gathered new crew aboard one of the last commercially viable sailing ventures - transporting grain from Australia to Europe via Cape Horn - they were quick to emphasize practicality versus excess.

Within 10 minutes of boarding, Eric was commanded, “ Up the mast!” (dressed just as he was). At first things went well as he scurried up the rat lines, but when the time came to climb from the main upper top gallant to the main royal — clinging on to a greasy spar - the new shoes came off and splashed overboard.

There is a direct parallel to Eric’s tale and this ARC passage aboard CIRCE. Captain Bernie stressed that we bring minimal and functional gear only. No need for heavy foul weather gear or boots or linens or fancy dress. Practical and Functional — clothes that could withstand hand scrubbing on deck in sea water — soft baggage that could easily stowed. As an aside, this good guidance resulted in freed up space to bring spare parts, tasty home-cooking and a ‘70’s disco wig or two.

The lesson to be learned — When there’s a job to do, have what you need — no more, no less.