Sailing Magazine
By Richard Crockett
There is always a tight bond between the crew of yachts, especially those who race regularly with the same crew and enjoy some success. But when crew abandon ship for another vessel, things can become, well let’s say interesting, as was reported in the Argus some 38 years ago today!
“Royal Cape Yacht Club skipper Etienne van Cuyck has been “deserted” by two crew for the forthcoming Crystic Beachcomber Crossing between Mauritius and Durban later this month.
“Gary Lyttle and Peter du Toit, who sailed with Van Cuyck for three years in the Lipton Cup Challenge – including the successful defence of the title last week, will compete against him in the Farr 38 class of the crossing.
“Van Cuyck will skipper ‘Penny Pinchers’ and Lyttle ‘TNT Skypak’, two of four Cape Town Farr 38s in the race. There are a total of six in the class.”
I am happy to report that this was purely friendly rivalry as all three were aboard the “Sea Princess” with me on one day of the Lipton Cup last week, and there was absolutely no animosity between them – anything but as they are all still firm friends.
READ MORE HERE: 1987 09 04 – argus – 000302 – OCR_Redacted
