A MEETING WITH TONY BULLIMORE

PREVIEW DAY - LONDON BOAT SHOW 8th JANUARY 1998

Upon returning from our summer cruise to Norway, I completed my cruising log, and decided as well as entering for the clubs' 'Walker Cruising Cup', I'd also like a 'shot' at the RYA Cruising Log Competition. By the 1st of November I had handed in the log to Neal Hill the RYA Regional Secretary.

During the second week in December with Christmas preparations well under way, an RYA envelope dropped through my letterbox, and to my surprise the letter announced that I was the N.E. Regional winner, and asked if I'd like to attend the London Boat Show on preview day, to receive my prize (an Adlard Coles log book and an inshore flare pack - dummies on the day) to be presented by round-the-world yachtsman Tony Bullimore. I was of course elated and forthwith accepted the invitation.

The big day soon dawned and Simon and I caught the 7.47 train to Kings Cross. We arrived at Earls Court at around 11.30 and went to the RYA lounge to meet Robin Sjoberg and the other winners. The centre stage had been booked for 12.45 as Tony Bullimore's schedule for the day was tight. We had time for a cup of tea, and to look briefly at the other logs which were on display. Unfortunately I didn't make the top 3.

At around midday we were ushered by Robin Sjoberg to the poolside to await our moment. There were cameras everywhere and I admit I did feel a touch nervous as my moment drew near. After the first 3, we each in turn went to shake hands and receive our prizes from Mr Bullimore. I said to him 'I hope I never need these.' And he replied 'I was just going to say that, but; I hope you never do.'

After all the prizes had been presented, a photographer took a group photo of all the winners and Tony together, then we duly departed, not before asking Tony if it was possible to get a copy of his book signed later. He said he'd be at the Nera Electronics stand between 2 and 3 o'clock. After returning to the RYA lounge , to chat briefly with the other winners, I set about purchasing a copy of his book 'Saved'. At £2 off the published price, Stanfords had signed copies. I bought one but decided that I still wanted it signed personally to me.

At 2pm I went to the Nera stand and managed to attract Tony's attention for a couple of minutes. He signed my book and Simon took photos. (see picture) He then chatted to us and asked what kind of boat we had, and he said how much he'd like to have a traditional cruising boat with an oil lamp, when he decides to give up racing. He also talking briefly about how frightening the size of the waves were in the moments before his capsize. We thanked him for his time and wished him luck, and he said if ever we happened to see him on his boat to drop by. I found him to be a good down to earth guy who is obviously very grateful to be alive.

Duties done we carried on with our day. As we were returning again on Sunday 11th, we decided to spend the rest of the day viewing boats without the queues and looking at book/chart stands. We looked at several boats, the Victoria 38, Bowman 40, for about the 3rd time - Dream!!!!, Moody 31, a couple of Westerlies and the Oyster 42.

The time soon passed and before we knew it , it was 6.45 and time to head back to Kings Cross for the 8 o'clock train back to Newcastle. We both had tired legs and feet, as the Boat show is always an exhausting experience, but we had enjoyed our day.

FIONA MATHIESON