Scotland

Area representative - Chris Brown

Resignation of Geoff Keating as Scottish Area Rep

Posted 6 November 2005

Geoff remains an enthusiastic advocate of the Parker 235. He has sailed 'Charliebird' over 2000 NM, often single-handed, on the Irish Sea and in the Clyde, and  she has proved to be a delight to sail in gentle airs, and reassuring in a blow. His only scary moment occurred when ill-advisedly rounding the infamous Mull of Galloway at mid-Spring tide on a following breeze which quickly rose to F6. 'There was no going back, so we went slap through the race under genoa at 10 to 11 knots over the ground - with more white water and pyramid waves than I care to remember -  and 'Charliebird' remained totally controllable even when briefly standing on her nose. Afterwards we realised that not a drop of water had entered the cockpit. I rang Bill and congratulated him on his superb design - and privately resolved to treat the Mull with much more respect next time'.

He has decided to sell for these reasons: 1. he finds that he is mainly day-sailing,  2. his wife is not at all keen,  3. his mooring is too exposed to SW gales, and 4. he operates from a beach site with no professional help of any kind, but needs help in launching, recovering and towing. He is planning to buy a Hawk 20 dayboat, and a camper van which his wife will share more happily. He will continue to tow to the islands and Highlands each summer.