The Mercy Page #3

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That's the great advantage

of the trimaran.

130 days for the entire trip.

So, a departure in October...

What, October? It's October now?

What happened to September?

(Sighs) We've had delays.

But we can still make the deadline

with one last push. We're close.

(Sighs)

How much more money do you need?

(Solicitor) This amendment

commemorates the new agreement

between you and Mr Best.

If you fail to complete

"The Sunday Times" race,

he is entitled to the deeds

to your property at Higher Brimley Road,

in addition to the previous agreement,

involving the rights and assets

of the Electron Utilisation Corporation.

You understand, Donald.

I just need some assurances that...

...we're not throwing

good money after bad.

(Signs agreement and pen clicks)

(Paper rustling)

(Door opens)

Are you sailing around in your brain?

(Donald sighs)

I was, erm...

I was talking to Mr Best.

And, and we decided that...

We decided...

...we'd push the departure day

back a couple of weeks.

So, not October 1st.

No, a little later.

Is that still safe?

Donald, are you really going to go?

That's still the plan.

I see.

Do you know, I think I fooled myself into

thinking we were just building a boat?

I... I didn't think

I'd actually have to...

...watch you sail away on it.

It's what boats do. They sail away.

But then they sail back again.

Will you promise me that?

I won't have you worry.

- Never.

- Hmm.

That's good to hear.

(Hammering)

What's happening?

Well, we're, we're up against it.

Er, yes,

Don, now we, we haven't managed

to get our hands on the preferred

rubber gaskets for the hatch covers.

The best ones come from a supplier

in Scandinavia in my experience.

It seems they are completely out.

We've had to go with second choice. Sorry.

Well, second choice hardly seems like

optimal circumstances from which to begin.

No, well, I would prefer

a bit more time to get things right.

It's not really an option, is it,

more time?

The calendar does not negotiate.

In my experience, nor does the ocean.

Tomorrow's the last day.

Are you ready?

Hmm.

Well, I don't think there are

too many things of any importance

that will remain undone.

Erm... I'm not lacking

in any great respects.

There's nothing essential

that's missing.

(Elliot) 'Face it, Don.

The boat isn't ready.'

Don...

You don't have to do this.

(Overlapping chatter)

Here's to the good people

at Whitbread,

who have been kind enough

to put beer in bottles for your voyage.

- Hope you don't run out.

- Er, yes, well, about all that. I...

I wanted to say, with a heavy heart...

...that I all think we gave it a good go.

There were unforeseen events,

unexpected cost overruns

on this project.

If we'd had a couple more weeks,

I think we would've made our mark.

- Maybe even come out on top.

- Don...

My suggestion is

I leave in the spring instead.

Not as part of the race,

obviously that won't be possible,

but we can still make a big splash

with the new boat.

Make Mr Best here his money back,

and then some.

(Hallworth) Don...

I think on the eve of his departure,

any sane man would want to pull out

of such an endeavour.

I think your apprehensions are...

Well, they're normal, they're healthy,

and if you didn't have them,

then I'd be truly concerned for you.

And I'm sure you've contemplated

the consequences, if you withdrew,

reneging on the contracts

with your sponsors,

to say nothing of your arrangements

with Stanley here.

I'd hate to, er, enforce it.

Handing over your house

and Electron Utilisation in full.

Nobody wants to see that come to pass.

I don't. Stanley here doesn't.

(Best) No. No, no, I don't.

And nor do the people of Teignmouth,

who have invested their hearts

in your mission.

Leave your doubts with us,

here on the shore.

Take your dreams out to sea.

(Best) Ultimately, you know,

it's your decision.

You're the one taking the risk.

(Sighs)

(Seagulls squawking)

(Reporters clamouring)

(Reporter) Oh, Mr Crowhurst,

how are you feeling?

(Crowhurst) Hello, everyone.

We need to come.

(Brass band plays)

(Crowd applauds)

Right, this way.

I'll just introduce you

to the, er, Mayor.

(Clears throat) Donald Crowhurst.

Morning, Mr Crowhurst.

The very best of luck.

Lady wife.

Good luck, Donald.

Er, keep in touch.

You're looking dashing.

Erm, rugged even.

- Stanley.

- Godspeed, Donald.

I shall think of you daily.

Last few words, sir?

Sir? Mr Crowhurst?

(Overlapping chatter)

Why don't you wave, children? Wave.

You too, Donald.

(Cheering)

(Clare) All right. Hold on tight.

Come on, children. Come.

Mind your fingers.

Looks like a damn hurricane hit it...

...before I've even gone a mile.

What's that rope for?

Well, in case I get a clumsy moment

and stumble over the side,

I can pull myself back in

with this trailing line,

before the boat circumnavigates

without me.

But that's not going to happen,

because you won't be falling in, will you?

(Simon) Can I come aboard?

Not a good idea just now.

You're free now.

(Engine starts)

(James) Goodbye! Good luck, Daddy!

(Crowhurst) Bye, everyone!

(Cables clanking)

Christ!

(Grunts)

(Pegs clinking)

Oh, bloody hell.

(Creaking)

(Indistinct radio signal)

(Reporter) Is there a part of the voyage

that most excites you?

Well, I suppose that would have

to be the day of my return.

Hello? This is Donald Crowhurst

calling from New Zealand.

'I'd like to speak to a girl

in England called Rachel Crowhurst.'

- Erm, putting you through. Ring, ring.

- Hello?

- Hello?

- A call from the middle of the ocean.

'For Miss Rachel Crowhurst?'

Can I still tell you secrets?

Er, yes, you can tell me secrets,

but just be aware

that Portishead is on the line.

(Rachel puts down receiver)

I think you're going to win.

(Crowhurst) 'I'd say it was going

swimmingly, but that'd scare your mother.

'Let me tell you a little bit

about turning eight years old.'

You'll learn many new things.

You'll learn just

how much you don't know at all.

You'll find the same thing happens

when you get to my age, as well.

'I want you to have

the happiest of birthdays.'

And know that I am with you

in every possible way.

- Will you bring me back a seahorse?

- Let me speak to Daddy.

Hello, darling. Is it going well?

Not missing us too much?

Oh, just working out the kinks here.

'Foreseen and otherwise, you know.

Not unlike your trials there, I'm sure.'

'How's the weather?'

(Line crackles)

Hello, Clare?

- (Line crackles)

- 'Hello?'

Yes, we're all here. Yes. Hello?

- Hello? Hello, Clare?

- 'Hello?'

'If you can hear me, I should probably

sign off. Crack on with the work.'

Much love to you

and to all assembled.

Say goodbye to Daddy.

Goodbye, Daddy! We love you!

Erm, when will we hear

from you again, Don? Donald?

(Operator) 'Sorry, Mrs Crowhurst.

This is Portishead. We lost the signal.'

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

Thank you, Portishead.

Well, that was lovely.

Hello, hello, hello, hello. Ooh!

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