Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst's son)

[SailorFrank]

Re: Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst\'s son)

Tetley was a very dear friend which I think gives me the right to be judgmental, he pushed on because he feared that crowhurst would beat him and the wretched man was intelligent enough to know this, he caused Tetley to sink which is directly linked to later matters

 

[PeterGibbs]

Re: Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst\'s son)

I find the biography a compelling tale. Not one of insanity as some would conclude, but the tale of a driven and complex man. All that has been recorded of him shows that in technical as well as financial matters he believed the solution, the breakthrough, the praiseworthy outcome was there - just over the horizon, if only he persevered sufficiently to grasp it.

I don't call that insanity - unusual, unswerving dedication and focus. An optimism that refused to counentance failure. To the point of self destruction, without doubt.

Anyone doubting this point of view should consider the double record he kept through the voyage; a mark of insanity or the record of someone trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat, as he had of numerous previous occasions?

Ultimately, he was not able to pull through. To me his sad drowning was more likely the result of an accident, a moment of inattention, than a final deliberate act of throwing in the towel.

PWG

 

[mono]

Re: Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst\'s son)

I agree partly with your analysis of his character but I believe he descended gradually into madness under enormous pressure and that his death was no accident.

He realised, on the brink of departure, that he was making a big mistake and felt, presumably through a mixture of pride and fear of being seen as a failure, that it was impossible to back out.

Unlike your interpretation, the double log is evidence, to me, of his descent into madness. A completely irrational and ultimately unsustainable activity.

 

[boguing]

Re: Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst\'s son)

...and did you "follow" Lisa Clayton?

Another one methinks. (And I'm not alone on this one).

 

[savageseadog]

Re: Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst\'s son)

[ QUOTE ]
I find the biography a compelling tale. Not one of insanity as some would conclude, but the tale of a driven and complex man. All that has been recorded of him shows that in technical as well as financial matters he believed the solution, the breakthrough, the praiseworthy outcome was there - just over the horizon, if only he persevered sufficiently to grasp it.

I don't call that insanity - unusual, unswerving dedication and focus. An optimism that refused to counentance failure. To the point of self destruction, without doubt. .........

[/ QUOTE ] He reminds me of a lot of successful people, a risk taker, confident of overcoming big obstacles. He might have been a Richard Branson of his time but it didn't work out. There was a very stiff upper lip culture at the time, had this all happened now the PR machine would have seen to it that he could have still come out of it a winner and a hero.

 

[SailorFrank]

Re: Simon Crowhurst Interview (Donald Crowhurst\'s son)

He reminds me of a lot of successful people, a risk taker, confident of overcoming big obstacles. He might have been a Richard Branson of his time but it didn't work out. There was a very stiff upper lip culture at the time, had this all happened now the PR machine would have seen to it that he could have still come out of it a winner and a hero.

he was a liar and a cheat Tetley / RKJ were the heroes and the Branson's of this story not a man who set out to deceive - see my earlier posts for the effect he had on Tetley