“I entered my Yamaha 36 ANDANTE in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race with a crew of four. The morning of the start one of my crew had to leave due to a family emergency, so we were in some doubt about racing. I discussed with my remaining two crew the difficulties we now faced and we decided to start racing anyway and retire if it became too difficult. We were about to cast off to go out to the start line when “The Boat Doctor” walked down the pontoon in sailing gear, bags in hand looking for a berth for the race because the yacht he was on forfeited and withdrew an hour earlier. I have never met anyone who could step onto a strange boat and figure out how to get the best speed from her so quickly. All during the 700 mile race he was a fountain of knowledge and I really feel that I learned so much from him, as do the other guys. For every problem we encountered, and they were numerous, The Boat Doctor came up with solutions. Conditions for much of the course were difficult with gale force winds and big seas. The Boat Doctor was a great encouragement and never took his eyes off the goal. I loved having him on board.”
- Keith, S/V Andante
