We see a great deal of the above in monthly reports regarding Visitor Numbers and the ways in which they spend their money, but we don’t seem to delve into the behavior of those playing on Waterfront.By monitoring the instructions given to their offspring by Fathers, it can be seen clearly why we need Coastguards, Lifeboats and a marine Repair Industry.
There are those who have obviously never been near a sailing boat & wonder where the wind is coming from. Most of the instructions are whispered, with sly glances to see how others are managing to manoeuvre their commands, and pleas to the attendant Volunteer, who cannot push the yacht off the lee shore as he is unable to squeeze past the laden pushchair, Mother and a small child, who seems intent on climbing the rail.
Then there are the Experienced Yachtsmen who totally bamboozle their offspring with clever Nautical Terms: “Helm down a little, Alistair” – “Tighten your mainsheet – like you do on the boat” – Wear around that top mark” – “Take her closer to the wind”; these instructions are always loud enough to be heard by the rest of the players.
We also have the Overseas visitors; Father stands on the opposite side of the pool from his young lad and gives a continuous string of commands in a strident voice – “Machen sie bakbord, Willi, Nein, Nein, BAKBORD, langsam, jetzt Steurebord - ” or the more excitable EU version (that also requires violent arm waving) – “Manovrare sinister,Nico, attento, attento, attenzione – pericolo – idiota!!”
Finally there are those who play almost un-noticed – sometimes adult, sometimes youths – but all managing to enjoy their five minutes with excellent boat handling - often competing keenly against one another.
Then there are the Experienced Yachtsmen who totally bamboozle their offspring with clever Nautical Terms: “Helm down a little, Alistair” – “Tighten your mainsheet – like you do on the boat” – Wear around that top mark” – “Take her closer to the wind”; these instructions are always loud enough to be heard by the rest of the players.
We also have the Overseas visitors; Father stands on the opposite side of the pool from his young lad and gives a continuous string of commands in a strident voice – “Machen sie bakbord, Willi, Nein, Nein, BAKBORD, langsam, jetzt Steurebord - ” or the more excitable EU version (that also requires violent arm waving) – “Manovrare sinister,Nico, attento, attento, attenzione – pericolo – idiota!!”
Finally there are those who play almost un-noticed – sometimes adult, sometimes youths – but all managing to enjoy their five minutes with excellent boat handling - often competing keenly against one another.
As an attraction, Waterfront is obviously a success, but its entertainment value may also be judged by the line of visitors on the “Water Lily” catwalk, all enjoying the spectacle.
Mike Pennell, Galleries
