Derek arrived on the jetty early – sailing bag all packed and ready to embark as part of a four man crew on the exciting challenge of the Round the Island boat race off the Isle of Wight – Top-cat was an impressive sight, white, with oak decking and a huge cabin containing a white leather semi-circular sofa with a wonderful marquetry table, now strewn with maps and mugs, a TV screen and computer completed the 'home from home' effect. The radio and signalling were all computerised, the galley contained a hob, oven and microwave with a fridge freezer in the corner, there were two shower/toilet rooms and four double berths. She was hand-built by Vic, the young skipper, who was justly proud of his beautiful catamaran.
The crew stored provisions they would need for the 10 day trip – Ian and Dave finished their coffee and cast off. A Ghostly vision in the morning mist she slid away, but calm waters in the Thames meant they had to use the motor so drifting away wasn't quite romantic, the engine being fairly noisy.
Once out into the open sea things changed and the motor was no longer needed, a stiff force 5 gale and large waves sent them swiftly on their way.
As the wind grew more powerful Vic decided it would be prudent to hug the coastline and eventually they moored up at Eastbourne to await calmer conditions before carrying on to Gosport for another night, then on to Cowes.
Eventually ideal sailing weather prevailed and they arrived outside Cowes to the sight of all manner of sailing craft jostling for mooring space. They were too late for the main harbour and had to tie up at Wooten creek about a mile away. The huge throng of sailors and sightseers meant eating places were packed, but they managed to get a meal and a beer at a local tavern, then returned to Top-cat for a good nights sleep before the race next day.
Morning brought fine weather and a good breeze – Vic had perused the race instructions, route, start line and discussed tactics with the crew – the large catamaran class included about 36 boats and they were off as the gun sounded – they tacked to and fro into the wind, trimming the sails with the winches as huge waves crashed over the bow and they fought for wind as other boats 'stole' it, taking evasive action they worked hard, as they fought to pass Yarmouth and head towards Sconce Point adrenalin pumping, and south westerly through the narrow channel at Cliff End and Hurst Castle on the mainland, all bunching up to get round the Needles, where coastguards, RNIL launches and other safety boats are always waiting, as it is such a critical point to manoeuvre. Having rounded this point the Genoa sail was hoisted in order to use the following wind and gain as much speed as possible heading towards St Catherine's Point on a south easterly direction.
Then, in apparent calm the skipper shouted, 'I want to jive.' so the Genoa was hauled in and the tack accomplished safely. The Genoa was re-hoisted and for the next two hours they repeated this manoeuvre.
Conditions began to get exciting as yachts raced past them and even some dinghies, as although the different classes of vessel started at carefully spaced intervals, the faster ones began to catch up and overtake slower vessels. The sea was a foaming melee of hundreds of boats and shouting crews vying for space, wind and the coveted trophies.
Heading toward Ventnor, now sailing on a north easterly, the boat heaved over slightly and all sheets were hauled in to maintain speed for the next few hours, until they reached Foreland and rounded this easterly point. They headed North West into the busy shipping channel avoiding containers ships, royal navy boats and ferries as they passed Ryde and gradually the waters became clearer and it was a straight run to the line at Cowes.
As Top-cat raced across the line to claim second place in her class, the exhausted but exhilarated crew slapped each other on the back and toasted with a beer – hooters and music blared out along the Cowes waterfront and they returned to party with other sailors before hitting the sack.
Vic had sold Top-cat to another sailor for a good price and decided to treat his crew to a short trip to France to pick up some goodies, so Derek, Dave and Ian enjoyed a really satisfying 10 days and their partners enjoyed this little treat, cheese, wine and French bread.
As they arrived back at the jetty a rousing club welcome had been arranged so the tired but happy group partied again with hotdogs, beer and loud cheers.
Derek stopped sailing about a year later owing to back problems but he has a wonderfully memory and can say, 'I did that.' – he was 60 at the time.