Spaz,
Sharkey's claims are nothing more than fatuous, egotistic bolleaux which, time and again, require official MoD spokespersons to waste time refuting. Strange how his oft-wheeled-out career history mentions nothing of being a naval architect....yet, like his ignorance of modern carrier aviation, he seemingly remains abjectly out of touch with the progress of technology, tactics, techniques and procedures.
Mr Ward...pour another Pina Colada and enjoy a quiet, deserving retirement. You earned much respect and adoration for your S. Atlantic exploits but it would be a total shame to destroy the pitiful remnants of that former reputation in your dotage.