Anthony Llewellwyn Davis and Andy Young
Anthony:
RORC, JOG and similar tat for years plus delivery stuff, trans-at’s etc. before starting double handing with the original Big Doris, Sigma 41, in 1997. Then came Hot Doris, Mount Gay/Whitbread 30, a nifty little number on which we topped 21kts!! Growing old and more sensible we moved on to Doris Minor, Sigma 362, before getting the current Big Doris, Dehler 39, in 2006
During this time we have done loads of RSYS doubles, 7 Triangles , a few Channel Triangles(even winning one!) a few Brixham/Santanders and Southampton/Santanders., the last 2 Falmouth/Fastnet 500s. We even started an AZAB but managed to break everything in the first 700 miles, so binned it. There has been the occasional SORC event to show what I true ‘Jimmy No Mates’ I am but now I am looking to enjoy what is a very comfy cruiser. However for a couple of weeks in June the proper sails go on and we are off to Hondaribbia!
Andy and I did the Triangle together on Dehler Doris in 2006 so a qualifier to keep Roger happy is looking good for Easter.
Dehler Doris started this event 4 years ago, the horrible year, but we were the first retirement when our B&G wand broke and despite valiant mast climbing efforts by Andy we were unable to get any wind instruments back and called it a day. We still finished up in Santander, just to keep Roger company and help bring Bastet back. There is a lot to be said about a ferry across the Biscay when it is nasty. This year will be perfect.
Andy:
I started sailing in dinghies, doing most of my serious time in the National Youth Squad in 420’s and later progressing to sportsboats including Projection 762’s, J24’s and Hunter 707’s. A fairly late start to offshore sailing was initiated by a Mini 650 arriving in Weymouth Sailing Club (194 - Man of All Seasons) which I sailed double handed in the Demi-Cle (L’Orient – St Quay – Cardiff – L’Orient) and at other events, where we seemed to be very competitive despite our amateur status. Antony still questions my sanity over this and feels that anyone who sails 21 foot boats with spinnaker poles that extend 10 foot from the stem ought to be sectioned.
I joined Big Doris in 2006 (so new she still smelt of resin) for the Triangle and other assorted RSYS and channel races. I have also done JOG and RORC events, mostly in Draig O’Mor (now owned by Kay and Kevin Stibbs), and can claim the distinction of completing all the qualifying races for the 2009 Fastnet without actually doing the Fastnet. I will be doing the Myth of Malham again this year (watch all those lovely places go by - twice!), without any intention of doing the Fastnet; a realisation that has caused me to question my own sanity.
I have, however, decided that shorthanded racing is more for me and I am looking forward enormously to the Biscay Race and to the opportunity to redress our experience in the Southampton – Santander, in what was possibly the shortest ever distance travelled in the race, after losing the wind instruments at Hurst Point. I have to say that I was in two minds as to whether to return to my family after this mishap, or just hide for a week. The mocking and opportunity for DIY that the curtailed race allowed, indicates to me that I should have opted for a week away somewhere peaceful and just made up some stories.
In an attempt to deny my mid-life crisis I seem unable to kick the dinghy habit and campaign a 21 year old Merlin Rocket and generally achieve getting the veteran “Dangerbat” halfway up the fleet (I say campaign but it’s more of a Crusade against carbon fibre Merlins really). I also sail an RS700 just to prove I am not getting any more sensible with my increasing years.
Big Doris
