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 Lu Abel commented:
> Would we approve if they sailed
> without a life raft?  Or lifejackets?  Or, these days, an EPIRB?

They predated much of this stuff. However, down in the Southern Ocean when
Beryl was on the tiller she would attach herself to the boat with a rope
that could have been used to tow them. It was a bit of a joke - "Whatever
else happens we won't lose Beryl!" She was on the tiller when the boat was
somersaulted over itself by one of those pesky 'rogue' waves - she saw it
coming but could do nothing except ensure the boat was facing directly away
from the wave, then remembered nothing until she found herself in the water
a little distance from the boat, both masts gone with part of the
'doghouse', her thick rope sheared clean as if cut. Miles came up and later
recounted that at that moment their situation seemed so hopeless he
contemplated joining his wife in the water. Beryl, happily for the story,
was made of sterner stuff and sent Miles looking for buckets. From then on
they were busy.

   

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