I love this post as it helps bring a very real issue to the forefront of our community. I know all too well the dark reality of depression and where it can lead. I was so distraught over the end of a relationship that thoughts of suicide crept in and it took a serious effort to battle those and begin to put my mind back together. Who would ever imagine being so low that those sort of thoughts actually became imaginable? It’s real, and anyone who feels this way should immediately get the help to pull you through. It works. I am here to prove it. – ed.
In the UK Suicide is the biggest cause of death of men under 45 years of age.
Sadly I lost my best friend this way a few months ago. He loved his sailing having completed an ARC, Round Ireland and a Fastnet.
His Hamble One Design (Folkdancer 27) was all the boat he wanted, Beige, heavy but with lovely lines. In 2014 we trailered her to Jeremy Rogers yard in Lymington who lavished her with a new mast, sails, folding prop and some teak in the cockpit which only improved her looks.
We had some lovely weekends cruising the Solent, visiting the usual spots including Yarmouth, Cowes, Portsmouth and Bucklers Hard. We saw the AC world series from the anchorage and great nights in Lymington Haven Bar. Great memories which we now cherish.
Every year the boat entered Round the Island Race. We were glanced by a 50ft swan in 2016 with no damage luckily (we were on stb) and always hugged the needles close enough to make the owner sweat a little. Results improved steadily over the years and in 2018 we snook into 14th in IRC overall. The whole crew were delighted.
Due to the circumstances Spring Fever is now for sale. She is sailing off 0.824 and I think there is plenty of scope for optimisation to improve on the 2018 result. She needs a good home. Click here.
And Remember guys and gals talk or find some help if you feel down. Samaritans are open 24 hours a day. Call 116 123 or email [email protected] (UK) – Anarchist James.
