When Two is a Crowd

Article by Larry Rumbol

My Potter (Duck) is a little like a bachelor pad. Now I am married and very happily so.. nonetheless if you are going to sail in a boat the size (and shape) of a shoe, it is more comfortable for one. Two on occasion in nice weather can be very pleasant, but boy you better be organised and you better make sure the passenger is the right type that travels light. That wonderful 1930s sailing yarn The Riddle of the Sands brings to mind a No3 Rippingille Paraffin stove that an unsuspecting companion was asked to bring on board—it was, of course, incongruous, and the subject of some mirth throughout the book. Equal care must be taken that your erstwhile Potter companion has no delusions that they are going yachting and not bring any such “Paraffin-alia” with them (sorry I just can’t help a pun—it’s a blessing and a curse.)

Perhaps for the sake of harmony a weight and size limit, like a budget airline, should be imposed for “dunnage.” It might stretch a friendship and make for a frosty day on the water if you imposed a fine—judgement is required here.