Liaising with my office on a day of violent winds as we cruise through The Old West river and lunch at The Pike and Eel before eventually mooring at the St Ives Town Quay as Western leaders react to Russia shooting down a South Korean Jumbo Jet
A day of winds storming up to 50 miles per hour, the barometer dropping fast to 996, and slight showers during the day ending in heavy rain at dusk. The overnight 56degF minimum rose to about 70degF out of the wind and so at least the temperature was mild. I lay in late whilst the rest of the family get up and about. Daniel’s rush to be dressed and out at the swings end in disappointment as his girlfriend in the next boat sets off early.
After breakfast, I set to repair my helmsman’s chair and the ships wheel. The first had recently failed to exhibit its prime feature – pneumatic up/down lever control – and the latter had worked loose and was wearing its hub. Both were fixed. Then a tortuous journey through the rest of the Old West River and manned locks, with a brief respite at The Pike and Eel for lunch. The wind was the worst I had experienced and we were pleased to eventually moor at St Ives Town Quay in late afternoon. In the wind was carried excessive stubble burning smut and leaves. Also grit and dust. Poor Daniel suffered most with an inflamed eye.
I quickly found a telephone to contact June Hamilton as arranged. She is off to holiday next fortnight and this is my way of ensuring good communication. A full situation report and many messages is on my desk and most urgent matters are of personnel but nothing critical. John Lamb tells me of a productive Glasgow meeting but disappointment at the financial divergence between local and central accounting practise, which is resolved to be in better communication from now on. Gordon Coventry is resolved to stay but seeks a three month contractual notice period which seems a good idea and would lessen the pressure induced by the present 12 month notice period.
News today is dominated by the Soviet shooting down of the South Korean Jumbo Jet airliner. As two days have passed all National leaders have had time for research and reflection and now make comment and criticisms. Tonight, after strong condemnation from US President Reagan and all other Western leaders; and after a further inadequate authorised statement by the Russian Official News-agency, Tass; a meeting of the United Nations Security Council had been called. In Lebanon, the Israeli troops are pulling back and out of all but southern regions and in Jerusalem Begin’s coalition parties have endorsed Defence Minister Shamir as his successor. Unemployment in Britain has moderated slightly for the first time in many months but is still above 3 million or 12.8% and Regional Health Authorities have still to implement the latest government cutback orders.
Victory II lost the second match to Australia in lighter winds and the scores are now 1 each.