Sailing Magazine
By Richard Crockett
I have been doing a lot of scanning recently, mainly of 35mm slides taken during Crystic Week and the NCS Regattas, and have so far done over 2000 – with probably a similar number still to do. In amongst these, and obviously mis-filed, was the picture I have chosen to use to day.
I know all three men in this pic very well, but it was the award that intrigued me most. I vaguely recalled having seen the pic in one of the magazines, but sadly I could not find reference to it. After some sleuthing I found that this was the Edinburgh Crystal Award which Ted Kuttel had arranged with its manufacturers to be awarded for an outstanding contribution to yachting by a Royal Cape Yacht Club member.
In 1992 the Edinburgh Crystal decanter was awarded to David Smith by David Abromowitz who was Commodore, and John Levin who was Vice Commodore.
I contacted David Smith to enquire why he received the award, and in typical fashion he was vague and unforthcoming as he has never been a man to blow his own trumpet. He did let on that he still enjoys a whiskey from it occasionally.
I served on many a CASA (Cruising Association of South Africa) committee with David Smith, and always remember him as a reliable, level-headed kinda guy who was extremely competent at everything he did, and was able to make decisions based on what was best for the sport having discarded all the “fluff”. He was a great guy who gave more than his fair share back to the sport – so in my view was very deserving of the award.
I wonder whether this award is still made today?
If anyone has additional information on this, please share it with me – editor@sailing.co.za
