I have a lot of fond memories of MV Doulos. 

I was first on board in1978 (September I think).  Since then this “Old Lady” has been a part of my life in one way or another. 

I’ve sailed through really huge storms and on flat calm seas, seen an amazing range of humanity pour up the gangways, made some really close friends and spent many a long night trying to work out how something or other works.  I have sailed with a dozen captains and managed to do some of the strangest things imaginable whilst on board.

The memories swirling around in my mind are heightened as we say goodbye to her.  This week we have found out that the ship will not sail beyond the end of the year as it will not be able to meet current safety requirements without massive investment.  Yes, it’s a little sad in some ways but only for the memories that are somehow linked with the ship.  It’s old!  Older in fact than Granny and THATS old! :-)

I often remind people that Doulos was build only two years after Titanic sank and there’s nobody alive that remembers that!  This is an Old Lady indeed.

Yes, some twinge of attachment, ships do that, but not really sadness.  I’m thankful for having been a part of the story so far but look forward to the next chapter with even greater anticipation.

This has been quite a week.  I wonder what’s next?