Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries - It's that time again

by John Curnow on 20 Apr 2016 That time of the day did not creep up on me today. No. I think it had been around all week. Images of idyllic locations, the need to plan some trips, which still awaits me, and an ever-persistent desire to both stay at home and also go away were contributing factors.

So as Summer becomes Autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere, and the need to be super-cautious of the harsh Aussie sun softens a little from burning sting to warm, bathing and enveloping, I found myself thinking about the Mediterranean. As an Aussie, you always laugh about how over there you don’t need to worry about sunscreen anywhere near as much as you do here. What is with that?

Anyway, the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia is busy and whilst I can still remember that, it is the image of one of the islands both covered and ringed by a nice fluffy white cloud that stays in my mind, almost as vividly as the day it occurred. Think the kind of haircut that Friar Tuck is always portrayed as having, put that over and around the top of a sparsely vegetated, and therefore ‘bald’ island, and you’re on your way to getting the right mental image.

We were often there, on our way to taking guests to the locale the passage of water was named after, Bonifacio. It is an incredible place, both from the front where the buildings are perched high atop the rocky escarpment of Southern Corsica and then for the supremely spectacular run up the narrow passage to the quintessentially gorgeous port that lies behind. Think a series of sell out postcards and you’re on your way to getting the point.



Our owner used to love to play Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries (Act III of Die Walküre) from the 2000W speakers that popped up pneumatically from the coaming in front of the bridge deck as we glided up the channel.

Even when he was not on board, we still performed this somewhat operatic entrance. The Harbour Master always smiled, for he knew that it was us and went about preparing a suitable berth with commensurate vigour.

It was very early in the 90’s, so such garish behaviour was still considered cool in this post-apocalyptic period that was the aftermath of the 80’s.

As the rousing strings and triumphant horns bounced back at us off the stunning limestone cliff walls, it was really just as stirring as Francis Ford Coppola’s beach scene. Yes it was the vocal version, so the fat lady was well and truly singing!

Lord knows what any of the locals or tourist thought. Cringing right now, you know that in the PC world of today, the answer would just be, tossers…

None of that matters now. Seems that these days that Customs are doing their best to make the place less inviting, and stupidly expensive, even if the Harbour Master and other locals are just as hospitable as back then.

Still, if you’re in the area, have not been and can stump up a bit of cash for the night, then do yourself a favour. There’s a quaint port, great little cafes and eateries, a sunset to die for and it’s also a wonderful springboard to many delights that both Corsica and Sardinia have to offer, no matter whether it is history or beaches you’re after.

Moving right along, and far, far away too, I have been captivated by a name. I’m not the only one, but rather than being spellbound by the name itself, I am intrigued by the way it has crossed over into mainstream. To see anything nautical and then also science in popular media is nearly unheard of. To have it go global and sort of viral too is nearly as biblical as the parting of the seas.

Yes, I am talking about Britain’s new Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) vessel. The 128m and £200m state-of-the-art vessel will be launched in 2019 and as far as the public is concerned, she is to be known as, ‘Boaty McBoatface’.

Just one organisation, in this case Newscorp, has run it globally, from GB to AUS, with Australia’s Matthew Dunn saying, “THIS is why people on the internet can never be trusted with responsibility.” It is true the name polled more than three times more than the next and it is also true that the poll for the next Royal Research Ship’s name came with the caveat that ‘the final name will be selected by NERC.’

This is a good thing, for naming it as the populace would like is akin to buying a new car in that terribly fashionable colour of today, only to find that in a few years you cannot even give it away, let alone get any cash for it!



NERC also stated that, “We would like the name to be inspirational and about environmental and polar science, to help us tell everyone about the amazing work the ship does.” Previously I have proffered ‘Spirit of Calypso’ as the name in both homage to the great man and also the former WWII British Minesweeper that really did take you places, show you things and tell you stories!

Whether NERC choose my name or not, although I do implore them to do so, one thing remains absolutely vital! You cannot ignore the people. Do so at your own peril. To that end, could I suggest that a plaque be installed in the Officers Mess of the new vessel commemorating how the people got behind it. The pics of dignitaries in front of it at the launch will be far more interesting than the usual Champagne smashing against the hull and it will show that the whole thing was taking seriously, with that delightful British mirth thrown in for good measure…

Anyway, elsewhere in the universe, please avail yourself of more great material from Ian Thomson out there in the South Pacific. I just adored Pig Beach in the Bahamas, the red crabs off Panama, and after talking about the Caribbean recently, then the material on the Caribbean Safety index is vital reading. Finally, Sea Mercy has been out helping Fiji in the aftermath of her most recent disaster. There’s a great report there, too.

So are you out there plying the seas and got something to say? We’d love to hear from you via cruisingeditor@sail-world.com – In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time…