Читать книгу Draca - Geoffrey Gudgion - Страница 40

23 ^rd September. Wind WS W Force 5, falling. Fair.

Had an overnight sail with the usual reprobates from the yard. Rode the Westerly flow and put into Dartmouth for the night. Had a bit of a run ashore and were late starting back. Tide turning against off Anfel Head. Wind picked up. Seas short & ugly.

The lads said I carried too much sail. Dangerous, they said, and not the first time.

But Draca loved it. You could feel her come alive. That dragon on the bow is like the chrome Jaguar badge on Harry ’ s car bonnet; makes you feel strong & want to go faster. It was like she was playing with the waves, dancing, and I was dancing with her.

I gave Chippy Alan the helm, and let him feel the ship at her best, but he was frightened. Not like him. We sort of fell out.

Wimps.