The News, Culture and Practice of Sailing woodenboats
in Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific.
Mornington Memories
The brownie box camera seen on deck may have been an aide memoir- that diary we all carry around with us. All this when the curve of the earth prevented a view of the city skyline from Mornington harbour.
“An Adventurous Life”. Sir James Hardy’s Biography
In 2021, I was invited to sail on Sir James’ beautiful timber boat Nerida in a classic boat race on Sydney Harbour. Sir James had retired from competitive sailing, but came down to wish us well. He was about to turn 90, so I told him I was about to turn 60. He decided to give me some three pieces of advice for my 60’s…
Eight Bells-Sir James Hardy.
Despite two Olympics and becoming a world champion, his ultimate ambition remained victory in the America's Cup. After three failed attempts, Sir James finally tasted success in 1983 as back-up skipper for Australia II.
Gaffers Day on NERIDA
The forces at play once the five working sails all fill are huge and mistakes can be very costly. Since her first Gaffers Day back in the early 1980s the yacht has always sailed under the command of her owner, Sir James Hardy OBE. But, regrettably, ‘Gilbert’ was unable to take the helm this year and nominated me to skipper the boat in his place.
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