Congratulations Bruce & Wendy... a lovely vessel.
Speaking of red & port, I learned - by a very expensive lesson - why port is left.
Shortly after my promotion to Sergeant/SGT in the RAAF, the Sergeant's Mess had one of their dining in nights. Almost compulsory... & this was my very first formal attired function with my new rank... had no bloody idea what to expect or how to go about doing 'the right thing' at the time... so just followed those in front or beside me!
All went well until the port was being passed around.
Firstly it was handed to the 'Official' table then, once they had their glasses topped up, other bottles, no, decanters were then passed to the other tables, starting from the end of the table nearest to the official table. I was seated at the end of the last table - being a new member - so was the last to receive the decanter.
Made a very careful effort to pour the port into the glass... phew, managed it without dribbling down the outside of the glass or the bottle onto the starched, white table cloth!
Relief flooded over me as I realised that all eyes were on my & my actions.
Smiled, very happy with myself for not stuffing it up.
Placed the decanter down onto the table cloth beside my glass.
The room went deathly quiet.
I looked up & around me...
The senior Warrant Officer in charge of our Mess stood up & thanked me for offering to 'shout the bar' .
Apparently, during these functions, the decanter is never placed on the table from the moment it enters the room until it leaves the room!
Port is left till the end of the meal.
My mess bill for that month was $348... it seems that a few of my fellow Senior Non Commissioned Officers/SNCO ensured I would not commit the same blunder again by drinking doubles.
I never forgot.
