"The first time I'd seen Mariquita was two years previously at the Fife Regatta in Scotland. It rained for most of the regatta and the crew were permanently covered up in their waterproofs. Fast forward two years to the Westward Cup in Cowes and we were blessed with perfect sailing conditions - sunny and breezy - the crew looking the part in their matching white uniforms. Mariquita had just tacked around the windward mark and we were in the perfect position just inside the buoy - close but not in any danger of disturbing their race. I don't often use the motor drive as I like to concentrate on the decisive moment but I did on this occasion and it was an excellent choice. Unbeknown to me Mariquita's owner had taken the wheel on the return leg to Cowes leaving the skipper and helmsman Jim Thom looking on from the transom. I'd never seen Jim standing here before! I love the way he is balancing on the stern of the boat looking up at the sails with his cap on while the rest of his crew busy themselves with the sheets."