A BUNGLING Cheshire yachtsman nicknamed Captain Calamity after being rescued more than half a dozen times last summer is thinking of returning to the sea.

Hapless Eric Abbott has strongly hinted that he may plan a trip aboard his yacht, which has been moored at Rhyl since he was rescued three times in one week last August.

The 57-year-old unemployed painter and decorator could even head for Spain, but he said: ''The Channel Islands look quite appealing. It's pretty far to sail, but I could put the yacht on a trailer and take it to the south coast, although it could be expensive down there.''

Mr Abbott, from Northwich, who is still smarting from media coverage of his disastrous trips last summer, refused to reveal his plans in detail.

Lifeboat rescue

Lifeboat crews in Holyhead, Liverpool, Belfast, and Milford Haven have been called to his aid 11 times at an estimated cost of £30,000.

On one occasion, he had a verbal lashing from Coastguards after becoming entangled in another boat's anchor chain as he tried to move moorings in Rhyl harbour.

After that embarrassment, he agreed to go on a sailing course at a cost of £500 paid for by the Royal Yachting Association, but only attended one training session.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: ''We did hear Mr Abbott was thinking of going to Spain, but we haven't had confirmation. He spent a day with the Royal Yachting Association last summer, so hopefully he has learned something.

''We also hope he takes the advice given to him. He has all the right equipment and skills, but seems reluctant to use them.

''Our advice is that he should have all the right safety equipment, such as life jackets and flares, and remember to read his charts and use his radio.

''We realise the sea is a great freedom and firmly believe in education rather than legislation. If Mr Abbott has learned those lessons, then hopefully he will be OK.''

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