Monsieur SkipThe Viking’s childhood sailing instructor

“The first person I ever imitated was my sailing instructor, Monsieur Skip. He was so cool, he had calloused hands and a weather-beaten face, he’d say to me — ‘My boy, you ought to take a shower!’ and he’d go about so a wave would give me a right soaking! I adored him!” (ch. 27 — the Viking)

“My mother hated him because I only ever washed in seawater.” (ch. 27 — the Viking)

“Even today, sometimes, when I’m in a tight spot, I go sailing and become Mr Skip again, it’s as if I were… possessed! I come home washed out, but with a clearer head!” (ch. 27 — the Viking)

“I’d have loved to meet him…” (ch. 27 — the author)