From our shipyard in Malta, we sailed
straight to the boat show in Genoa, and had just four days to transform the
boat from her yard state to show ready.
The purpose of the show was for brokers to
look round each yacht, so they could put forward suitable vessels to their clients
looking for a yachting vacation. Yachting related businesses were also in
attendance - some had stands on the dock, while others would just visit the boats
to promote their services.
The show spanned over three docks. We was
moored on the main dock, opposite was a smaller dock with a third, a 15 minute
ferry ride away. In the morning it was the deck crews job to wipe the boat
clean of any dew or dust, and get her looking her best. When the show started
at 10:00am, we would stand at the top of the passerelle to greet brokers, and
deal with inquiries from the yachting related businesses.
In the evenings, after the show, there was
always something going on for crew. Different stands held events, and on the
final Friday of the show, there was a crew party. My drinking ban would soon be
over! On the Tuesday, I went to a wine tasting stall with the rest of my crew.
I drank orange juice, but had the tiniest sip from each of their wines. This
was enough to get me thinking the next day when I was on passerelle watch about
Friday’s crew party, and whether or not I should have a drink. In the end I
decided that I would have a drink, and get involved in my first crew party.
Wednesday was our biggest day of the show.
We had organised a lunch for the brokers, and our chef, Jared, was planning an
eight course lunch. This is his first season in yachting, and wanted to show
what he could do. In his words “Go big
or go home”. The lunch was a big success and to celebrate we went out for dinner.
As I hadn’t drunk for three months, I decided I would warm up for Friday’s
party and have a little drink. Two glasses of wine was enough to make me feel lightheaded
and start feeling the effects of alcohol.
 |
| Edward Scissor Hands (aka Emily), Jack Sparrow (Me), The Queen of Hearts (aka Kim), Ace Ventura (aka Al), John McClane (aka Rob), Zohan (aka Jared). |
Friday’s crew party was a Hollywood themed
fancy dress party. I went as Jack Sparrow, wearing Kim’s blouse, and Emily’s
waste coat, complete with eye liner, black finger nails and a felt tip goatee.
Of course I needed to wear a felt tip goatee because I had to be clean shaven
for the show – it had nothing to do with the fact that at 28, I still can’t
grow one! I remember the party as being great fun, but my memory doesn’t
stretch far past a certain point. I blame this on Jager, and mixing my drinks.
I’ve now experienced the full range of the pendulum, from being sober, to getting
it right, and getting out of control, or should I say wrong?
