Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
I have more memories of our events and sailors to share today, and even surprised myself by unearthing a pre-race cutting of the 1999 Vasco da Gama ocean race when I sailed with Dave Cox aboard Solar Wind, an L34. We had a very young Jof Heathcote aboard as helmsman, and other very young crew who had been well drilled by Cox in the build-up to the race.
I wrote the following in that report: “It hardly seems like a year ago, but the annual da Gama race to East London starts today. This race, is a bit like the Comrades Marathon as once the bug has bitten, it’s difficult not to keep at it.
“Many people often ask me why I keep doing the race, particularly as it is reputed to be so tough and even dangerous. It’s pretty simple to me anyway, being a simple sod that is. It’s a bit like walking around with a stone in your shoe – when you take it out it feels really good.”
Enjoy today’s selection of newspaper reports.
1968. Bad Luck Penelope: 1968 04 21 – Don Pfotenhauer Collection – 000016 – OCR
1988. Reed to Skipper Voortrekker in C-Star Transatlantic Race: 1988 04 21 – 10
1990. Durban Boat Moves Into First Place: 1990 04 21 – 891
1990. Martin ‘Going Like the Wind’: 1990 04 21 – 155
1990. Just No Avoiding the Da Gama Bug: 1999 04 21 – 259
1995. Captain Courage. Pass Me the Knife Says Crewman Then Cuts Finger Off: 1995 04 21 – 931
