Fugu Crew

Last week, we ran an account of the Fastnet from onboard Anthem written by Fugu. We thought it would be nice to hear about the crew, and Fugu obliged, again written in his very unique style. Even though most of us don't know any of these guys, the descriptions are great. Enjoy.

Tom Alexander, Starboard watch helm and trimmer. Younger than most, probably mid 20s. Just finished Admirals Cup as lowly worm on the slower of the two Spanish teams. Lucky he's such a nice guy and a good sailor, because otherwise he'd be totally unbearable. Gets away with a certain amount of swagger because he can steer and trim very well, and also was very good at keeping the boat going and waking the crew up during the sticky bits.

Paul Browning, Navigator. Barometer of the boat's performance, giggling maniacally when something's working out, and looking rather serious when we're in trouble. Does brainy things with computer hardware when not sailing.

Steve Cox, Maine-based professional sorter of boats, shipping as engineer and mainsheet trim. Been there, done it, and a very reassuring presence on a boat which has more machinery than most spaceships.

Mark Crowther, Port watch trimmer and mast. The Quiet Man in a pixie hat.

Jeff Dakin, Tactician & crew impresario. Eleventh Fastnet. Does something at IBM in the days. A cheerful little bugger wih a fertile mind, always grappling with tactical problems, and a great expert at saying why something's just happened.

Steve Dakin, starboard watch helm and trimmer. Older brother by 10 minutes of Jeff. Engineer and diver by trade, just returned from a couple of years working in Texas. Foul mouthed on a heroic scale, virtuoso obscenities that make Derek & Clive sound like a vicar's tea party. With Jeff used to sail on the various Yeomans of the Aisher family, who often had the Duke of Edinburgh (the Queen's husband, and by Steve's hysterical accounts a top man on a boat) as guest helmsman.

Tom Dakin, Port watch mast and trim. 15 yr. old son of Jeff (no wussy Sydney-Hobart age limits here). Cheerful and relaxed (to the point of narcolepsy). Has already done more miles offshore than yours truly, and is going to go on to more.

Pete Dillon, Boat captain and starboard watch trimmer. An irresistible blend of Scouse humour and Maryland sophistication. Totally irrepressible, a real rock. Left a brand new baby in the States for this - probably the cause of the occasional distant longing look in the eyes.

Tom Gill, owner, and port watch helm, retired Bostonian lawyer. Admirably unbullshitty, fit, neat & trim. I caught him flossing his teeth while preparing to go on watch once, but I suppose it's his boat. A fine driver and all round good egg (can I come back now?)

Tim Hare, starboard watch helm and trimmer. Originally from Hartlepool, where the North Sea must harden them up. Very experienced sailor, works as yott trade Mr fixit. A naturally pumped sort of person, said to have once crossed a raft of boats at a weather mark to settle a score. One you'd definitely want on your side.

Sean Kell,. Port watch bow. Serial athlete: ski-ing, mountaineering and years of sailing. A quiet, precise, wry observer. Apologises for needing a halyard to go up the mast these days, but to me appears a wonder of agility and suppleness.

Ashley Rhodes, from Antigua. Starboard Bow. Professional rigger and ace laser sailor. Moves like a cat, and has a cat's misgivings about this sort of racing. Either complaining that it's eighty-five degrees and not what he came for, or that it's sixty degrees and freezing cold. He's unconvinced when I try to persuade him that a moody breeze makes it more fun.

Mark Stephens, aka "Stormy". Port watch helm and trimmer. Top telecoms boffin, trade learnt while in the army (the Special Boat Service among others). Pots of Fastnets and a Whitbread. Quiet and thoughtful, a brilliant manager of people - hard to describe him without using the "leadership" word.