An atlantic adventure

[Hawkey01]

Back in 1972 a group of friends at the Port Madoc yacht club had an idea.
There were 4 men and one woman – the wife of Mike.
I have connections with two of the crewmen. Hedley Smith who was my wife’s Uncle and father of our cousin Sally. I never met him as he died before my wife and I got together.
I know a lot about him through conversations about this adventure and other family happenings. The other person who I did meet at family functions was Robin Kyffin, a very likeable man. He unfortunately has also now died.
Of course, we have to remember this voyage took place back in 1972 when they were all probably in their middle age. Now 46 years later I am writing about it. I have copied the article which was printed in the Yachting World. I have been loaned boxes of slides of the voyage and I will copy some of the 35mm slides and post in due course, subject to the quality.

Neville

[Makko]

Very interesting posts, Hawkey. Thanks.

[Dartskipper]

There were many similarly designed yachts undertaking long voyages in those days. The hull design by Dufour was reminiscent of those of Ron Holland, German Freres, and Frans Maas amongst others. Interesting read, and memory jogging pictures. Thanks for posting Neville.

Roy.

[Hawkey01]

I have searched through the slides and as I thought not too many that would copy well. Lots of sea but always difficult to show how bad it was. Tried with one of the attached to give the impression of the wave height but I am sure it was much worse as they kept battened down during the worst of the hurricane/storm.

From l-r.
Believe this was when they picked up the yacht - Sortilege of Madoc - from the builders.
This is some of the pod of Killer Whales mentioned in the article.
My wife's uncle - Hedley Smith on the wheel.
The waves look pretty big to me from a 41 ft yacht. I am sure it got worse.

I have a few more which I will post in due course. Most seem to be from the delivery voyage up to UK. Quality has been an
issue due to the age and the fact that they have been stored in a damp area at some time.

Neville