Pertelote

First Encounter

 

I was at the Grammer School in Kirkwall (1968-69) and being mad keen on boats joined the local Sea Cadets.

Oh what fun we had messing around in boats, even without water!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They had an ex MoD harbour Launch (grey) in which we used to take trips (engage in voyages).

One weekend we headed North out of Kirkwall for the island of Stronsay.

A pleasant enough trip with the anticipation of a Saturday night in the bright lights of Whitehall village. Well at least that is what we thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whitehall can be seen in the background here from the pier that we tied up at.

There may have been an air of dissapointment and an underlying alterior motive for this visit to Stronsay based on the belief that our Technical Teacher / Sea Cadet Lieutenant, Sandy Firth, may have had relations on the island.

 

 

 

Things began to look up with the prospect of a dance at the local village hall that evening but we were dressed for a voyage with best bib and tucker (clothes not smelling of diesel) left safely behind at home.

The dance held true to form with the girls sitting down one side of the hall or dancing with themselves and the boys down the other nipping off rather frequently to the toilets.

I discovered why on my first relief visit and was introduced to intoxication by alcohol for the very first time.

This apparently turns the male species into excellent dancers which was confirmed  by the number of couples taking a tumble at the last dance.

 

 

The following morning was not so bright one way or another however a visit to a yacht owned by a "Farmer" had been arranged.

This yacht turned out to be the Pertelote which I immediately fell in love with.

 

It has subsequently been suggested that this  farmer may have been called Mr Hugh Birley (first owner as per Lloyds List of Yachts).

 

It has  been reported that  Pertelote was observed pressed into use for the transportation of sheep.