TONY SAUNDERS Born June 1941
Yacht “Lo Shu” GRP Varne Folkboat with standard rig.

I started boating in 1946 at the back of the Wight, after the south coast beaches were cleared of landing protection. I could row and scull before I could swim. I started sailing in a 10ft Clinker fishing boat. Apprentice shipwright and boat builder 1958 to 62. Merchant Navy “Chippy”62 to 65. Racing Flying 15s Cowes Weeks, Frostbites, and then cruisers with young family, Sandpiper 565, Westerly Consort, etc. I have sailed in South America, Caribbean, West Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. Anything from a Laser to a Nicholson 38. In later years I became Navigator Tactician Class 2 & 3 (not my own) sort of local knowledge Cowes Weeks.

My first Folkboat was “Ylva of Wight” sail no 60 carvel mahogany on oak, I owned Ylva for 10 years. Looked for a bigger yacht with good performance came back to the Folkboat but GRP and with better accommodation. Sailed single handed for many years and raced in the Medina Mariners single handed series experienced a knockdown in 1991. Always wanted to sail the AZAB but the Royal Cornwall YC only wanted 30ft and above. I suggested some years ago a Jester Class to no avail.
I thank the few who have now made it possible to achieve this before I am past it (never); incidentally I went aboard the original Jester many years ago when she was in Cowes while I worked at Groves & Gutteridge boatyard. I did not recognise the significance at the time. I won’t disclose my thoughts on that occasion, but feel honoured of that passing of time.

I have owned Lo Shu since 97. I have been a member of the RYA since 1964 have a Costal Skippers Cert. Have qualified for the Yacht master offshore but never felt the need to take the exam. I know my yacht will stand more in the way of rough seas than I will, I think am prepared both mentally and physically, I am always prepared to accept advice from someone else’s experience

RETURNED TO FALMOUTH WITH AUTO PILOT PROBLEMS. RETIRED 03/06/08