Sailor forgets underwear

[SeaKnots]

When super heroes fly to the rescue of those in need, they are usually dressed in a cape and wearing their underpants on the outside.

But when sailing hero Pete Goss and the crew of Spirit of Mystery left their underwear in a launderette in Newlyn before they commenced their epic voyage to Australia via Cape Town, it was their turn to be rescued by an air drop of a very different kind.

Stuart Elford is a Director of Formedia, the company that handles Pete’s media communications and of which Pete is Chairman, and also the holder of a pilot’s licence. So when he heard the terrible news that the crew were short on pants and socks a rescue mission was planned.

Although Pete and the crew are navigating only by the stars as they recreate the journey of seven brave Cornishmen who, 154 years ago, sailed a 37 ft wooden Mounts Bay lugger called Mystery to Australia, modern technology means that the outside world can follow their progress on Pete’s website - www.petegoss.com – and plot their exact position.

Stuart Elford explains: “The satellite tracking device gives us an exact course, speed and position for the boat, updated twice daily. So, all we had to do was buy several packs of underwear, pack them in a floating waterproof bag and fly to their latest position. We could get there in less than two hours, make a drop beside the boat and return.”

With the vessel only sailing at about six knots, the search area would be small and it should be a relatively simple procedure to make the drop.

Unfortunately, the weather has conspired against the mission and it would be dangerous to reach the little wooden boat given the current conditions. By the time the weather clears they will be out of range of light aircraft from the UK.

“The crew of the original Mystery would not have had this sort of support, so perhaps it is fitting that we didn’t make the air-drop,” said Stuart Elford. “I’m sure a lack of underwear will not be a major challenge compared to what else the team will face. They have already battled sea-sickness in very rough conditions on their first night at sea and have the might of the Southern Ocean yet to face. However, they are well trained, the boat is very strong and we are confident that they can make it.”

You can monitor the progress of Spirit of Mystery and keep up to date with all the latest news from Pete Goss via his blog at www.petegoss.com.

[Dave Skolnick]

Without going into undue detail: 22 days, one pair of underwear.

sail fast, dave

[PCarrico]

Too funny!