Alexander Morison (my Grandfather) was a retired full Commander R.N.R., and he skippered the 52’ Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. Colin Morison (my father) was a serving Navigating Officer M.N. and Denis Morison (my Uncle) was an 11 year old boy who eventually wrote the book ‘Frances Ahoy!’ when he was retired, but the book was written through the eyes of a child, which made it all the more interesting.

All three Sea Dogs are sadly gone from us now, but in 1937 when they set set sail from Hamble Shipyard, Southampton they were among a very few to attempt an ‘around the world’ sailing venture, however, my fathers journel was never topical because World War II took the limelight in the following years. Because of the impending war and subsequent breakout of hostilities, ‘Frances’ never did circumnavigate the globe, but the adventure was one that played a major role in the minds of the Morison family for many years after the event.

Keith Morison