BB
The cryptic message Johnnie left on Rachel’s answer phone for him was intriguing.
‘11 o’clock by the kiosk this morning if you can. Might have some boat info.’
Several people were crowded around the kiosk booking tickets for the next river trip, when BB walked along the quay. Johnnie, crouching down and pointing out things on the river to Carla in her pushchair, stood up when he saw BB.
‘Glad you could make it,’ Johnnie said.’ You free for the next hour or two?’
‘Sure am. You found me a boat?’
‘Possibly. Forty-footer, name of Chevalier. Moored up at Stoke Gabriel. Once Sabine is free, I’ll hand Carla over to her and we’ll go take a look.’
Half an hour later, they were in Annie’s tender and motoring up river. Passing Annie herself on her mooring in the middle of the river, BB said, ‘Don’t suppose you’re thinking of selling her, are you? She pretty much ticks all my boxes.’
‘I was thinking of selling, but things have changed now I’ve got Carla,’ Johnnie said. ‘I’m going to sell the cottage and buy a bigger place but keep the boat.’
‘Tell me about this Chevalier then,’ BB said.
‘Built locally at Uphams, Brixham, late 1940s. She’s forty foot with a beam of nearly ten foot and recently been refurbished. Had several good sails on her. Belongs to a friend who’s going through a messy divorce. Looking for a quick sale.’
As they passed Dittisham, Johnnie pointed to a motor launch tied to the end of one of the mooring trots. ‘There’s a famous boat for you.’
‘Looks like it could do with a paint job,’ BB said.
‘It’s one of the Dunkirk little ships,’ Johnnie said. ‘Everything on her is in its original condition. Played a huge part in getting men back from France. Not what you’re looking for, but it’s also up for sale.’
BB took a long look at the launch as the passed it, shaking his head. ‘Amazing what they achieved. So much history.’
Johnnie slowed the outboard motor as they approached Stoke Gabriel. ‘There’s Chevalier. Middle of that line.’
‘Can we get on board?’ BB asked.
Johnnie nodded. ‘Keys in my pocket. Like the look of her, then?’
‘Sure do.’
Johnnie cut the outboard as he took the tender alongside Chevalier and BB tied a painter rope to the yacht’s rail before stepping on board and waiting in the cockpit for Johnnie to join him and unlock the hatch.
He didn’t say anything as he stepped down the four steep steps into the saloon and explored the yacht. The galley had the usual sink, gimballed cooker, small fridge and compact storage space. The chart table, easily accessible from the cockpit was opposite and the main saloon with its table and red leather bunk seats was inviting. A double cabin, shower and the heads were built into the remaining forward space with the sail locker in its usual place in the bow.
‘Great refurbishment,’ BB said as he joined Johnnie in the cockpit. ‘Old wooden boats always seem to have a soul, like a living thing. There’s something cosy about a teak-lined boat cabin.’ He glanced at Johnnie.
‘Sorry, a bit sentimental there but …’ he shrugged.
‘So, what do you think?’
‘You said you’d sailed on her? How does she handle?’
‘Good. Came a respectable third in a race at last year’s Regatta,’ Johnnie said, closing the hatch and locking it. ‘I can arrange a sail for you later in the week, if you’re interested.’
‘Thanks. I’m more than interested. I think you’ve found me my ideal boat,’ BB said. ‘I owe you one if it all works out.’
With Johnnie at the tiller of the tender as they moved away from Chevalier and began to motor down river, BB smiled as he looked back at the yacht. ‘She’s got lovely lines,’ he said. He turned to look at Johnnie.
‘Nobody else after her, is there? I’m not likely to be gazumped? Willing to put some money on the table to reserve her.’
‘Ian, the owner, was going to register her with the agencies this week. Once he knows how serious you are, I’ll get him to hang fire until you’ve had a sail and shaken hands on the deal. Okay?’
‘Thanks.’
They were almost back down at the kiosk when Johnnie said, ‘Is Rachel okay?’
‘She seems fine,’ BB answered absently, his thoughts still on board Chevalier. ‘Why do you ask?’
‘Haven’t seen her around for several days. She was supposed to be getting back to me over something, but I haven’t heard a word.’
‘Want me to mention you’re waiting to hear from her?’
Johnnie shook his head. ‘No worries. I guess she’ll be in touch soon. If not, I’ll pop round and see her.’