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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 into pyjamas when off watch. This obliged the two assistant skippers - there were no other ranks - to deal with wind shifts, squalls, sail changes, shipping lanes etc leaving the skipper fresh, alert and ready to take the important decisions.

Salmo Salar - the name means Atlantic  Salmon - played her part brilliantly. During the first blow in mid-Biscay, her high flared bow and 18 ton displacement coped well with the confused seas. Unlike most of the other yachts, she even had a windscreen wiper so that the helmsman, snug and reasonably dry in the cockpit, could keep an eye on the occasional ships that passed.

All this gave the skipper the confidence to press on when the forecast of the second blow was received off Cape Finisterre on Wednesday evening. With Nelsonian nonchalance, he then retreated below and again donned his pyjamas. By sunrise, he was back in the cockpit, the wind had strengthened considerably, and SS was responding magnificently to the challenge. Soon after 11 am, she crossed the finish line with three relieved pensioners aboard.

Mooring the old girl stern to was a bit undignified. However with help from the crew of Nikita, the only other boat in, the task was soon accomplished. Before long, everyone was relaxing in the calm and leather arm chairs of the Monte Real Club de Yates de Bayona. What a contrast! Had it all been a dream?

Brian Turnbull
Assistant Skipper



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