Salmo Salar - Three Old Men and One Old Lady

Observing the hectic last minute preparations in Plymouth aboard Salmo Salar, few would have rated her chances of finishing near the front of the Rally in Bayona. Boat of the year in 1965, designed by Laurent Giles, built of wood by Moody, she was the doyenne of the fleet, and her crew were older still. However appearances can be deceptive. After the weather briefing in Plymouth, her skipper, Richard, showed a steely determination to get to Bayona before the incoming low expected on Thursday. His secret weapon was SS's ability to sail to windward like an America's Cup yacht provided the engine was running. This ability he exploited ruthlessly whenever the wind was inconveniently light or ahead. He was equally single-minded about going below and changing. read more...