Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
Having read a lot about Bruce Dalling in my time, and having more recently begun digitising the vast number of newspaper cuttings written about him during his dash across the Atlantic in 1968 aboard ‘Voortrekker’, and as a competitor in the Rio Races, I wish that I had known him better.
The impression I have gained is that he was a true sportsman, a man of principle, and a damn fine yachtie too. Which is why I have chosen to hone in on the “sportsmanship” aspect today.
Having been pipped into second place across the line on the singlehanded Transatlantic Race in 1968, there was much speculation that he would protest the result. Many felt the winner, Lieutenant Leslie Williams, had failed to sail the proper course, and also had relied on outside navigation assistance via computer.
Such was the passion for Dalling, that one of the committee men from the ‘Voortrekker’ project actually lodged a protest, fortunately withdrawing it later.
Dalling was incensed by this protest, and was reported in the Observer newspaper as saying: “Under no circumstances will I consider a protest. It is up to me to protest and if they (the sponsors) protest I will fight this thing all the way. They should get in touch with me as I sailed this bloody boat and the decision is up to me.”
The Observer also reported the following: “When Bruce Dalling heard the news today that the sponsors of his yacht ‘Voortrekker’ – second boat home in The Observer Transatlantic Race had cabled the Royal Western Yacht Club and The Observer protesting at the result of the race, he was furious – and embarrassed.”
One wonders whether this was simply Bruce being Bruce, or whether the advice his mother had cabled him, he took to heart? This is what the cable, sent to Dalling’s sister Carol, who was with him, said:
“Dignity imperative. Avoid all controversy. Say “Well done, son”, for us. Relying on you absolutely for genial cordiality.”
Mrs. Dalling said, after sending the cable, “We want to hold up our name as sporting South Africans.”
She sounds like she too was a wonderful mother, woman and inspiration.
Quite frankly, I believe that Dalling made the correct decision in not entertaining a protest, showing his true colours to the world, the size of his heart, and his impeccable sportsmanship.
This protest matter ended in an interesting manner, as reported in the Sunday Express newspaper.
“They are already clamouring for Bruce Dalling to be voted the South African Sports Star of 1968 because of his magnificent single-handed sailing. My vote would go to his, mother, Mrs. Kathleen Dalling, who sent him the best advice I have read for several years”.
In conclusion that journalist wrote: “I congratulate Mrs Dalling on an inspiring sporting message. It should be a guide to all of us”.
READ “A MOTHER’S MESSAGE” HERE: 1968 06 30a – Sunday Express – Bruce Dalling Archives – 002604_Redacted – OCR
