Sailing Magazine
By Richard Crockett
The fifth race of this world championship contest had competitors battling 25-knot north easterly winds which gusted up to more than 30 knots. This resulted in a sea with a heavy chop – typical Durban conditions.
Nearly all the yachts racing capsized at least once and there were many retirements because of broken gear, mainly rudders.
There are two things I personally like in today’s offering, that being the South African contingent revelled in the conditions with Les Nathanson, Dave Hudson, JJ Provoyeur in the top three, and Nankin fifth.
The second one is an example of how “social media” worked back in the dark ages, 45 years ago. It’s a telegram sent by Stephan and Inge Kuhn wishing all competitors the “best of luck”, especially Dave (Hudson), Rick (Nankin), Terr (Clarence), Les (Nathanson) and Jurgen (Coblenz). Despite telegrams having pretty quick delivery at that time, there is nothing like the instant gratification one gets having sent a WhatsApp – or WhatEver!
Hands up those who have seen a telegram? I bet it’s only the old farts!
READ MORE HERE: 1980 05 22 – fireball worlds – mercury & daily news
