Talking Sailing” From My Archives. Albatros in Rio: Leads on Handicap

By Richard Crockett

The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived when ‘Albatros II’ finished in Rio and looked certain to be unbeaten on handicap. What a great race this crew had, especially after the mast scare they had within sight of the start line, and after effecting repairs anchored in the shelter of Robben Island.

In a moment of true sportsmanship, the owner of ‘Striana’, Jean-Michel Auclair, was the first person aboard ‘Albatros’ to congratulate them on their fine victory, after pipping Striana at the post.

Today its all about ‘Albatros’ as she sailed a fine race and flew the South African flag high, being the first local boat to finish, and the overall winner as well. The first 7 yachts to finish were all international entries.

“Albatros in Rio: Leads on Handicap”. ‘Albatros 11′, pride of Knysna, sailed over the finish line early today to become the first South African yacht home in the Cape-to-Rio race and the overall leader on handicap – a lead that looks unbeatable.
READ MORE HERE:  1971 02 12 – Rio 1971 – Dave Elcock Collection – stitched – 000372-1 – OCR

“Albatros: 1st SA Yacht Home To-day?” In the best winds experienced so far the 13·metre (42-ft.) Knysna sloop ‘Albatross II’ is racing into Rio under more than 3 000 sq. ft. (279 sq m) of sail and will almost certainly to-day be the first South African yacht to cross the finish line in the Cape-to-Rio race.
READ MORE HERE:  1971 02 12 – Rio 1971 – Dave Elcock Collection -000377 – OCR

“Albatros Fans Waiting”. There was an air of anticipation in the home of ‘Albatros ll’s’ skipper, John Goodwin, last night as his family waited for new of the Knysna sloop’s progress.
READ MORE HERE:  1971 02 12 – Rio 1971 – Dave Elcock Collection -000375 – OCR

“48 Hours – and Not A Rio Crossing”. No more Cape-to-Rio yachts crossed the finishing line in almost 48 hours, according to position reports received by 4 p.m. yesterday. ‘Albatros’ (John Goodwin), which had 245 miles to go when she last reported on Wednesday, is expected to reach Rio next – eighth in line.
READ MORE HERE:  1971 02 12 – Rio 1971 – Dave Elcock Collection -000523 – OCR

“For Top Yacht and Designer”. Among the 25 trophies to be awarded to Cape-to-Rio race winners soon are these two – for the top South African boat and its designer.
READ MORE HERE:  1971 02 12 – Rio 1971 – Dave Elcock Collection -000378 – OCR