Wavecrest
I am not sure if this counts as I have never had a career at sea but i thought i would set the ball rolling on this one.
Back in 1984 during the coal strike the River Colne was busy with ships bringing in imported coal. December 8th looked promising and there were 2 ships due that i was interested in, Wavecrest and Gerda Vesta.
On arrival at Rowhedege Wharf the Wavecrest was already in unloading coal, and the Valur discharging fishmeal,and Delta G was passing bound Colchester.
A lull in workings gave me opportunity to inspect both vessels but a quick resumption meant I had to talk "the long way round". I was just about to walk when a shout came from Wavecrest" Fancy a trip to Colchester?". It was one of the local pilots who knew my interest. " sure"
There was one condition, I had to assist the seaman on the bow with the ropes, but to be honest he had no time for a passenger and just chatted.
We left the quay as Valur was backing up to take our berth, and Gerda Vesta was about to swing . It was great to see the village where i lived from the bow of a coaster,and see the look on the faces of those i knew as we passed.
The rest of the voyage was spent in the wheelhouse and passed without incident. The one anxious moment was when we approached the pumping station the harbour master advised that the tide as virtually stopped, and I was advised that it could be a night on board. I am not sure if that was a joke or not but the tide made a final push and we arrived at Colchester.
The pilot was taking the Celtic Clipper out to Brightlingsea so I had to walk the mile or so home. And of course it started raining but i was happy.
Cheers
Paul
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