MyPE managed to ask local sailor, John Tudehope from Wallbanger – a Simonis 35, a few questions before the Saturday 25 April 12h00 start of the gruelling Vasco da Gama Ocean Race along South Africa’s treacherous East Coast, from Durban to Port Elizabeth. Here is how he answered them – great fun!
How old are you?
Pass
Family?
1 x Beautiful wife – Gillian, 1 x beautiful daughter (looking to marry off – lobola is negotiable), 1 x clever son + 1 x daughter in-law + ½ grand child.
How many of them sail?
They all enjoy a sail
Which area do you live in?
Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth
How did you get into sailing?
Late dad – Bob Tudehope – I was literally born in the Point Yacht Club (PYC) club house
What are your achievements in sailing?
Conquering sea-sickness, I now do it with a smile
What other class of boats have you / do you sail?
Enjoy all sailing boats. Like to take a laser out on occasions, and go for a good “run”.
Best memory or moment that stands out for you so far in sailing?
Sailing in the 2015 Mykonos regatta
What do you most enjoy about sailing?
Striving to get boat to “fit in” with wind and water every time we go out.
What are you hoping to achieve in this year’s Vasco da Gama race?
Fulfilling boats motto: “ winning isn’t everything it’s the ……..” Having a good sail with great people, and getting them and boat back home safely.
What has sailing taught you?
Patience, respect and a great appreciation of elements
Role model in sailing?
Blank (Ed – Shame John thought I would be embarrassed if he said it was really me!)
Role model in life?
God
What are you hobbies?
Enjoy gardening & the great outdoors
Besides sailing, any other sport you participate in / excel in?
Use to be quite a good surfer in my day (represented Southern Natal twice)
Describe yourself in one word?
Stirrer
Where would you like to be in five years / what will you like to have achieved?
Hopefully still around here/would like to start travelling with my wife both in RSA and abroad.
Anything of interest that you would like to add?
Former ABYC Sailing Commodore, currently SASEC committee member, still a member of ABYC (by default).
You have climbed Mount Everest twice?
No, only once – did it naked and with no support team – true
You speak 12 languages?
No – 3
You cook better than Jamie Oliver?
I can braai and make a mean bowl of breakfast cereal
You run a day care centre for abused or run over tortoises?
Not any-more – the pace was to much
You toured with the Moscow Circus?
Used to until I let all the animals out – now have restricted access to the Eastern Block countries!
Alan Straton
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