THE CONFESSIONAL

OWN UP TO YOUR SAILING SINS

- 

Keeping schtum

Wes Absolom

Back in 1979, my dad bought a mini portable TV radio to keep us boys entertained while away on the boat. Despite the tiny screen, it was incredible to be watching our favourite programmes while afloat.

In school on the Monday, I was boasting to my friends about our new portable TV and they all wanted to see it. When the house was empty, we sneaked home to watch it. I thought I was very clever and used the 12V plug – that I had seen Dad using – and plugged it into the 240V socket. Funnily enough the TV blew. I knew dad would be furious, so I put it back in the box and said nothing.