The Race: Start the clock. Learn to use the present simple and present continuous - Episode 2

PHIL Hello again. It's Phil here. You may know

that I've been set a challenge to sail around the world in 80 days - it's an impossible challenge

especially as I have never sailed a yacht before. But I said 'yes' - so here it goes...

TOM So, here we at Saint Catherine's Dock and

look - here's my yacht - The Mermaid - I know she's a bit scruffy but I'm sure she'll get

you round the world...

PHIL Hmm, on my own! That's the bit that worries me. It's a very small boat.

TOM It's a yacht - not a boat - look: it's got

a sail! Anyway, you'll be fine. Just call me on the satellite phone if you have any problems.

PP (Calling from afar) Hello, hi. Phil. Phil! It's me.

PHIL Pete, what are you doing here?

PHIL Pete is my office assistant: He makes the

tea, he does the photocopying, he sometimes gives me ideas for my books. He's a great

guy - so I'm really pleased to see him now...

PP Tom posted a message on Facebook that you're going on a trip round the world, or something.

I couldn't believe my eyes - so I had to come here and see for myself. Look, I've brought

you some books to read... and a map - you'll find that useful.

PHIL I will... but what I really need is a travelling

companion... someone who can help me on my journey... someone like you?! How about it?

PP No. Absolutely not. I can't. I've got to...

errr... feed the cat.

TOM I'll feed your cat. Go on. Can't you see he needs your help!

PP I get sea-sick...

PHIL Rubbish! I remember when you went sailing

with your Dad - you were always fine.

PP That was different. We were sailing on a lake.

PHIL Well, you know about sails and rope and anchors - you'd be great. Besides, if you come with

me you can have a share of the money.

TOM If you get home in 80 days!

PHIL I'm pleased to report that Pete is joining me. I'm so pleased I have someone to 'show

me the ropes', as it were - in other words, show me what to do. He's a good friend, a

loyal assistant and he goes everywhere with me so I'm giving him the nickname 'Passepartout',

just like in the original book, Around the World in Eighty Days - I hope he likes it!

PHIL We've set sail. Our adventure has begun. Let

me describe the yacht to you. It is 12 metres long. It has a huge mast, with the mainsail

attached. There is an engine as well just in case there's no wind. The wooden deck has

seating at the stern - that's the back. There are some steps down to the galley - that's

the kitchen - and there are two berths or beds for us to sleep in. I can't believe we're

going to live in this tiny space for 80 days!

PP Phil, we've got the wind in our sails, we're making good progress. I can't even see land

any more.

PHIL Yes. Thanks to you, it's plain sailing! So, what does this rope do?

PP It moves the jib - the sail at the front.

PHIL And this one?

PP That moves the boom from side to side. No,

no. But don't pull it until...

PHIL Ouch! That hurt.

Day 5 and I'm learning how to sail but my best skills are in the galley, making tea.

The weather is good but we seem to have a problem with the yacht...

PHIL Passepartout, is it me or is it getting a

bit wet down in the galley?

PP Let me have a look. Oh dear! There's water all over the floor. I think the boat is leaking.

PHIL What? What are we going to do?

PP Drown!

PHIL What? Really? I'm going to get on the radio

and call for help... Mayday! Mayday! Oh no. The radio isn't working. We're in big trouble!

PP Be quiet. Calm down Phil. The radio isn't

turned on - and we don't need to abandon ship just yet. I need to know where this water

is coming from. It's only a slow leak but I think we need to fix it quickly. We need

to head for dry land.

PHIL According to the map the nearest land is some islands at 16 degrees north, 24 degrees west.

Do you know where that is? Let's hope we get there before we sink.