Interview by Scoop McPhee with Bill Paterson

Intrepid reporter for the Big Wind, Scoop MacPhee caught up with Sassie Lassie crewman, Bill Paterson at Bill’s home in Rosemarkie.

Scoop:  So Bill, are you excited about the Atlantic crossing on Sassie Lassie?
Bill:   Eh?  Oh aye, I’m fair chuffed about it all.  Should be a great time.

Scoop:  Nothing bothering you about the boat or the crossing, Bill?
Bill:  Aye, I was a wee bit bothered that the Guinness was hard to find in Miami but Sheila convinced me that this was a good thing.  She also said that I shouldn’t  be phoning her from over there.

Scoop:  Not quite sure what the connection is there.  But I understand that it will be a “dry” boat with no beer or booze on board?
Bill:  Aye!  I don’t know how Gwyn got the idea that Neil, George and I might drink a wee bit too much.  For myself, I’ve never drink anything stronger than water when sailing.  Hey, was that a pig I just saw flying past the window?

Scoop:  What’s your opinion on the food that Alex Davidson plans to produce on the Miami/Bermuda leg?
Bill:  Alex?  Who said he’s coming?  First I heard of it?  That damned Canadian can’t boil water!  I’ve had him on my boat, Tunnag, for years and have always ended up having to do the cooking.  Why, he didn’t even put salt in our brose!

Scoop:  So, there might be a problem between you and Alex?
Bill:  Nay, we’ll get on just fine.  Just so long as he doesn’t try dragging me into every church we pass.  Especially when there’s usually a perfectly good pub just across the way.

Scoop:  But you get along with the rest of the crew, don’t you, Bill?
Bill:  Ach, they’re nae bad but if I hear Sweet Caroline sung once more, I’ll throw myself overboard.  Gwyn will be great to sail with and Neil’s a good mate.  George is good fun and I can always turn off my hearing aid.

Scoop:  I understand that you’ve sailed most of your life.
Bill:  Aye!  I was on freighters and tankers most of my working life.  Been in a lot of good ports and remember some of them.

Scoop: Ever been to Miami and Bermuda?
Bill:  I don’t remember.

Scoop:  I understand it’ll be a seven week sail.  Any problem with that, Bill?
Bill:  eh?