Book title about east coast racing

[Mark Taylor]

When I was growing up in the 60s one of the books I often took out of the library was about an east coast yachtsman who had a couple of yachts with which he raced various EAORA races. I think the second was called Bandit but can't recall the first.......however more importantly I can't recall either the title or the author of the book.

I assume the boats were both Holmans but can recall little else........anyone got any clues?

Thanks

 

[Gin]

When I was growing up in the 60s one of the books I often took out of the library was about an east coast yachtsman who had a couple of yachts with which he raced various EAORA races. I think the second was called Bandit but can't recall the first.......however more importantly I can't recall either the title or the author of the book.

I assume the boats were both Holmans but can recall little else........anyone got any clues?

Thanks

Could it have been L.D.Brook?
You've probably found these links already but, just in case, they offer new leads here they are:-

http://littleshipclub.co.uk/node/2388
http://www.classicboat.co.uk/articles/the-life-and-designs-of-kim-holman/

 

[Sniper]

I wonder if 'Bandit' is a Twister? Currently up for sale at SYH.

 

[Gin]

Bandit of Mersea was definitely a Twister, owned by L>D> Brook (originally?)

 

[Jan Harber]

I think the book might be Three Boys in a Boat, which was by David Brook about his adventures with his young sons in the Twister Bandit of Mersea and another boat, which they cruised and raced out of West Mersea in the early days of EAORA, 1950s – '60s. I once had a copy but must have lent it to someone because I can't now find it.
I believe one of the sons, Alan, went on to sail and race with EAORA, and has connections with Walton & Frinton YC, possibly married Anna Landamore but not sure about that bit...
Bandit was built for David by Cardnells at Maylandsea in 1964, so she's getting on a bit now.

 

[sailorman]

I think the book might be Three Boys in a Boat, which was by David Brook about his adventures with his young sons in the Twister Bandit of Mersea and another boat, which they cruised and raced out of West Mersea in the early days of EAORA, 1950s – '60s. I once had a copy but must have lent it to someone because I can't now find it.
I believe one of the sons, Alan, went on to sail and race with EAORA, and has connections with Walton & Frinton YC, possibly married Anna Landamore but not sure about that bit...
Bandit was built for David by Cardnells at Maylandsea in 1964, so she's getting on a bit now.

Th same Alan Brook who was associated with Oyster Marine ?????????

 

[ex-Gladys]

Alan's at West Mersea YC...

 

[Mark Taylor]

Thanks everyone.....that sounds like the book and good to have the author's name.

Just need to find a copy now!

Mark

 

[Mark Taylor]

Book now ordered........lots of copies available! Thanks everyone!!

 

[Sniper]

Thanks for raising the subject - I've also bought a copy as my own boat was racing in the same area in the '60's

 

[Sniper]

I've finished the book now and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very much of its time but very evocative of sailing in the '60s. Much more self-reliance in those days and with some early electronic aids starting to creep in - RDF, echo sounder. The book is very well written and the descriptions of bad weather at sea are as good as any I've read. Recommended.

 

[Capt. Clueless]

This book doesn't mention Dick Pitcher by any chance does it? He was winning nearly everything about him and EAORA races in 1967 with a 24' called Gooseander, which was the prototype for the Guy Thompson T24.
He was also an ace in a flying Dutchman.

 

[Sniper]

I don't recall Dick Pitcher's name. I think the book is set around the very early 60's.