Exploits by the members
The level of experience of the members of the HT Association varies widely from novices to circumnavigators. Those circumnavigating have been recognised by Honorary Membership but there are many members who have stretched their abilities and improved their seamanship during their time as members. It is important to remember these milestones in one’s development and to reward and encourage others to follow suit. A first channel crossing or offshore passage is every bit as challenging to a newcomer as an ocean crossing is to an old stager. We must recognise and applaud them all for their achievements.
Without doubt we should recognise Pat Patterson as the first amongst us to test and trial the various boats in the Patterson range. Although Pat’s first ocean crossing was on a Piver Nimble Tri (from Ungava Bay Labrador in Canada to Scotland in the 1960’s), he graduated to his first circumnavigation in an Ocean Winds 33 called Ocean Winds II. This is well documented in his book “In the Wake of Drake”. He followed that with a trip around the Amazon Basin in Ocean Winds III. More recently he sailed to New Zealand (via the Southern Ocean and the Kerguelen Islands) in his 43’ Star. The only boat of the type he built. He was a great sailor and designer and we owe him a great deal.
 |  |
Ocean Winds II | Star |
 |  |
Terrapin | Terrapin |
 | Allegro III&Ocean Swan |  |
In addition to this Mike Dwyer in HT Allegro III has completed five Atlantic circuits. His trips have taken him from Cornwall across Biscay and out to the Canaries and Caribbean, then homewards via Bermuda and the Azores. His trips homeward have been the most challenging, and his vessel was holed twice. Once when lying to the sea anchor in severe conditions, and once when hit by a Whale. Undaunted Mike showed great seamanship effecting emergency repairs and he arrived in port as planned safe and well, though maybe a little shaken and stirred. Mike was a recipient of 2005 Outstanding Achievement Award.
More recently our outstanding achievement awards have been given to David Gist on HT Jannerandus for nursing a rather elderly HT across channel and into the French Canals. Also to Steve and Anne Brown of Voyager China Girl for enhancing their seamanship by longer passage making, and for some heavy weather sailing. The same year Mike and Birgit Hartnell made their first Channel crossing, in HT Two Tones in less than ideal conditions (it was the summer of 2008) and they were jointly awarded the trophy.
Steve and Melanie Horrod braved some atrocious conditions to join us for an HT rally sailing extremely well in their HT Kitten Cat II. Tony Salisbury braves the Round the Island Race from Cowes on the Isle of Wight most years in HT Catmando, and has had a very good showing, and some excellent times. Also doing the Round the Island Race was David Lyne in HT Pau Amma. In 1996 Pau Amma surprised everyone by coming in 8th Overall within the Multihull Class, which that year had over 300 multihulls racing. This is not an easy race. Not only do you have to sail well, you really do need to know your collision regulations in order to avoid the other few hundred or so boats doing the same race.
There will be others I don’t know about, probably because they are too modest to shout about their achievements. I think we should make note of all these exploits, and to recognise when people are extending their learning and forging ahead. To progress to having great seamanship skills you have to start from the beginning and slowly learn the various skills needed. Learning by experience and time spent on the water is one of the best ways to move forward. Mistakes will be made, but as a result of those, better seamen are created.
Please let us know of your, or other people’s, exploits so that we can recognise their achievements in the future.