noon
The jib was split , the mainsail half-lowered , and the vessel running gunwale under . By vigorous and well-directed action , in which John Bowden proved himself to be one of those men who are towers of strength in emergencies , the head of the _ Buss _ was brought round , and the immediate danger averted , but they had no idea where they were , and when day broke on the 23rd they found themselves out of sight of land ! Their last boat , also , had filled while towing astern , and had to be cut adrift . At noon , however ; they sighted the Land 's End -- the wind blowing hard from the nor ' - east . `` No chance o ' making a British port in this wind with such a vessel , sir , '' said John Bowden , touching his cap respectfully to Mr Smeaton . `` As well try to bate to win ` ard in me grandmother 's wash-tub , '' remarked Teddy Maroon , in a disrespectful tone . Smeaton , agreeing with them , lay-to the whole of the 24th , and then , casting anchor , debated whether it were better to make for the coast of France or try to reach the Scilly Islands .