by David Salter
Many of the stories in this book began their life as articles for sailing magazines. Vanessa Dudley, then with Yachting World, first encouraged me to write some humorous pieces that eventually became the Tell Tales column. Simon Kent of Australian Yachting kept publishing them for years, and never changed a word. Kevin Green has continued that tradition. Peter Campbell and Adrian Herbert of Offshore magazine printed some of my more quirky yachting pieces that might not have found a home elsewhere. Bob Ross, a true Wise Elder of Australian sailing journalism who crewed with us on Police Car 25 years ago, has always provided his wise counsel and dry wit. John Jeremy, the tireless editor of the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club News, published umpteen of my first-person accounts of offshore races, but still wants more. Dr Dayle Smith and Stuart Littlemore QC provided invaluable guidance in matters of the law. Thank you all.
And lastly, the one person without whom none of this chronic irresponsibility would ever have been possible: my darling wife Elva. In 1967, while we were still courting, she won our club’s ‘Ladies Day’ on a 14-footer by employing the simple technique of hanging on to the mast with both hands while yelling ‘Help!’ at 20-second intervals through the entire race. She has that trophy still. What sailor’s heart would not be melted by such determination to share in her partner’s passions? My profound thanks for your boundless patience, understanding and support. The pleasure of sailing is infinitely enhanced by that sunny, welcoming smile as I finally stagger home through the front gate and set down my seabag once more. Now, about next Saturday …