Momentous Boat!
We have had very many happy weekends on board Freebie, but I wonder how many boats can have brought about two engagements!
In October 2011, shortly before flying out to New Zealand for a year, our daughter, Kate, and her partner Richard joined us for an idyllic weekend at Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight. Kate, who has always enjoyed being the “dinghy waller” took Rich off in the dinghy for a potter. (We had been primed of the event, as Rich had asked Steve’s permission in advance, and brought a bottle of champagne for the moment!) Off they went with a rucksack with bottle and glasses, and we thought we wouldn’t see them again for a while. However, Rich couldn’t wait any longer and asked Kate to “stop the boat” so he could have a drink. He then got down on one knee in the bottom of the dinghy and proposed to an extremely surprised and happy Kate. We were organising a Moody Owners Association (MOA) event, so it was quite a party at the New Inn at Shalfleet that lunchtime!
Annemarie’s sister, Cherry and her boyfriend, Paul Priscott, joined us (plus younger sister, Suky, and Nick) for a weekend in August 2012, and much to everyone’s surprise, Paul suddenly asked Cherry to marry him! A ring was hastily crafted by the skipper (out of water pipe) for the occasion – Cherry asked for a diamond and got it (sort of!).
Freebooter 