Interview by intrepid Big Wind reporter, Scoop McPhee with crew on Sassie Lassie, George Selvester

Scoop found George busy as usual in his garden fixing a leak in his dinghy.

Scoop:  George, it’s nice of you to let me talk to you.  How are things going in preparation for the Atlantic crossing on Sassie Lassie.

George:  Well, for one, it’s a stupid name for a boat.  When I was Commodore at Black Ness, we’d never have a boat with a name like that in the club.

Scoop:  But you’re still going to sail on her?

George:   Aye!  Wouldn’t miss it for the world.  I’ve been preparing for months now.  Haven’t had a pint since before Christmas.

Scoop:   You’re aware that people usually lose weight when on long sailing voyages?

George:  Aye!  And with Alex doing the cooking, we’ll probably starve! 

Scoop:   You’re particular about your food, are you George?

George:  I like mince and tatties, me.  Alex, I hear, is going to put spices in everything.  Whoever heard of Oregano and Paprika?

Scoop:  Ever sailed across the Atlantic on a yacht before, George?

George:  No, but I thought of doing it with my old boat, Fat Sam.  That boat would take me anywhere.  And I could do it single handed except for one thing.

Scoop:  And what’s that, George?

George:  Lilly won’t let me do it.  Says she’s not walking the dog three times a day.

Scoop:  What’s she say about you sailing on Sassie Lassie?

George:  I haven’t told her about it yet.

Scoop:  I understand that you’ve bought Jock Wingate’s boat, Heart of Gold.

George: Aye, it’s a great boat.

Scoop:  Does Lilly know about it?

George:  Aye, She’ll be working at the Cromarty Bakery another two  years to pay for it.