Ben Bradley on Sailing

Spencer Rigging as it was now called supplied rigging to mast makers such as Spartite and Proctor masts so they could supply an above deck package to their customers who were notable boatbuilders.

Around this time, I started crewing an Olympic Class 5.5 metre yacht, and this took me to venues such as Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, Kiel Germany, Long Island Sound New York, all expenses paid.

As Spencer Rigging expanded, it coincided with more international racing events, such as the Admiral’s Cup, which by the 1970s, up to 19 nations were taking part, each team with three boats.

The Mayor’s Cup took place every two years in the UK and up to 20 boats took part in a trial to select the three-boat British Team.

The last race for the Admiral’s Cup was the Fastnet Race. In America, the event was called the ‘Onion Patch’, the last race being the Bermuda Race. In Australia, it was named the ‘Southern Cross’ the last race being the Sydney Hobart race.

I was lucky to sail in all these races in yachts called ‘Marionette’ owned by Andover businessman Chris Dunning.