My Bermuda Day tradition — freeloading

*Photos by Glenn Tucker

I am not sure what you all had planned for the day but my options were extremely limited.

As I own no boat, going out sailing was not an option. Few of my friends have boats, and bumming a ride on Nathan Landow’s boat (if he has one) was not a viable option, either.

I am still fighting the battle of the bulge, so as I have no six pack, going to the beach in speedos was not an option. Besides, I got wet enough during Saturday night’s thunderstorm.

So, what were my options?

I know! I know ! Going down to Front Street and freeloading. Last year I figured out that I can walk around the entire parade route and get:

• free food; 

• free soft drinks; 

• free kisses;

• free liquor.

What more can a freeloader want? Oh well, let’s not answer that one.

Bermudians are overly generous at holiday times, so why disappoint them by saying ‘no’ when you are offered treats upon treats? I figured that if you say ‘no’ this holiday, by the time the next holiday rolls around, they may not be in such a generous mood. 

Going on the Tack

The day before the holiday, my buddy Mujib and I were invited to go on a boat ride by one of our friends (no, not Landow). Not just any boat, but specifically a 36-foot yatht. As a lifelong landlubber, I very rarely go on boats, much less a yacht. So this was indeed a first for me.

We pulled out from the moorings using engine power and then, as we reached into Hamilton Harbour, we unfurled the Main Sail and Jib (front sail). 

As the wind took control of the sails, we were taught the fine art of changing tack, which means shifting the Jib Sail from one side of the boat to the other.

Harnessing the power of the wind, we cruised past Hinson’s Island and Hakwin’s Island. 

The sea breeze evoked thoughts of the first explorers that crossed the Atlantic Ocean over a thousand years ago: Long before Columbus was even born.

Sipping on some canned beverages, we took a moment to pause and view not just Bermuda from a different perspective, but more importantly to view history, and each other, from a new perspective.

Life is about learning new things, and meeting new people. I am proud to say that I have met and learned much from these two brothers. Cheers to my shipmates, Mujib Swan and Ian Smith — The Black Shirt Pirates. 

Great balls of fire

I don’t know who invented the saying ‘when it rains it pours’ but they must have been Bermudian. 

On Saturday night, as many Bermudians were lining the streets of Hamilton to protect their spots for the holidays, the skies decided to open up something fierce, buh.

Anyone could be forgiven for thinking we were getting a free fireworks show. Everywhere you looked, we had lightning illuminating the skies. Looked almost like a scene out of a Harry Potter movie.

Then came the thunder — or was it the rain next? Jeezums I can’t remember, because when it did open up it was like a month’s worth of rain in one night. 

One thing for sure, nobody had to worry about anyone stealing their spot during that thunderstorm. I am sure God would have licked them down with a lightning bolt or two. 

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Editor’s note: Pick up Friday’s Bermuda Sun for more Bermuda Day photos. Also see our photo gallery here.