Letter from a DBSC fan

our newsletter travels far and wide, to members, other sailors, and a host of fans who like to read our rants and raves. The following are a few editted words from a cyber fan.....it's an amazing world we live in.......

Thank you VERY much for your continued sending your emails to me.

I am a 79 yo sailing tragic and intend to (if possible ) to Live to 150 –just to ‘bugger the Gov’t up’ – if at all possible.

I was an Army sailor for 4 Syd—Hobarts –73,74 & 75

I was the then the senior watch-keeper on the Parmelia race (from Portsmouth, Uk- Capetown- to Fremantle (we only came 5th across the line)

I have also sailed almost the length of Bass Strait—back in’67 on my wee Red jacket (it was a 17’ 3” L.O.A. Trailer sailer –round Gabo Island clockwise and high-tailed it back to Portsea

i did a couple of tours of duty in Vietnam  as an interpreter and linguist

On my second tour I was tasked with showing folk how to sail a corsair; specifically it was my job to make any ‘wanna bees’ acceptable crews  -- great fun was had by all I assure you

My last decent race was in the Inaugural Sydney to Rio – round Cape Horn ( of course) again I was a watch-keeper. Sadly it was the ONLY race over this ‘distance—although it WAS THE INAUGURAL RACE IT WAS THE ONLY ONE SO FAR.

At this time I do not have a yacht of ANY shape or size anywhere near my home , but I do a ‘bit’ Of kayak racing  -- but that is fitness and strength AND a wee bit of genuine ‘skull-duggery’ and the distances are quite short  usually less than 30 K’s- - - - -  which suits me Poifectly! ! !! ! ! ! !

 Kind rgds to all and Go the new piles  -- glad I haven’t any at this time of my life