Shortly after arriving on the boat we replaced the CQR anchor with something a little bigger as we intend to spend a lot of time relying upon it. So having fitted the new anchor to the chain I was then faced with the problem of what to do with the redundant 45lb anchor.
Nearby was a large ketch (two masted yacht) that was undergoing a refit and which I noticed had an anchor a bit on the small side. I wandered over and asked if they wanted the anchor. It was gratefully accepted by the owner of the boat, Rafael.
Rafael, clearly touched by the friendly gesture, took us under his wing and immediately returned the favour many times over. It turned out that Rafael is a man of many talents and great energy. He has for many years been the local forensic coroner and he is due to retire shortly. He has spent the last 7 years preparing his yacht thoroughly for a round the world trip which is a dream he has had for many years.
In his younger days he also qualified as a heart specialist and a dentist. Part of his yacht refit programme is to fit out the Captain’s cabin as a surgery (complete with defibrillator) for medical and dental treatment which he intends to provide free of charge wherever he goes.
Rafael will be accompanied on his circumnavigation by the Colonel who has special dispensation from his wife to make the trip. Nothing remarkable about that you may think, until I tell you the Colonel is 83 years old.
Good luck to them both!
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