From JIM BERRY
By way of a farewell I am retiring after some 50 years of 505 sailing.
I started in the 60’s with 505 K812, a Fairy Marine boat followed by 3 Parkers and 10 Rondars.
I have loved every minute of it and have made so many friends from all over the world.
It takes 2 to sail a 505 well especially with the big kite.
I have been lucky with my crews, names that stand out are Richard Brueton, Rich Berry and of course without doubt Barney.
Carl Gibbons sailed with me in Adelaide and after this I talked to Ian Pinnell about him. Ian then sailed with Carl in Palermo and won !!
In 1995 Ian Barker was President of UK 505 association and asked me to stand as Vice .Do not worry he said “I’ll carry on for at least 2 years”.Just 3 months later he started his Olympic campaign and nearly won Gold, what a great guy. I therefore took over and with the assistance of Simon Lake we ran some successful events at Abersoch, Mounts Bay and the Worlds at Hayling Island.
You now have Jason Lunn and Charlie Walters, remember they rely on your support.
I still have a sail stamp and will occasionally be available.
God willing I will be at Abersoch and a huge thanks to our sponsors SAP I will be going to Barbados in 2013 but not competing.
All things come to an end.
Keep on sailing the best boat there is.
Regards
Jim