Lipton Cup 07...part 1

Yes it's that time of the year again - the yachties are all getting serious and the rest of us just go to the empty parties with great promos. This week-end is L26 WP champs, and the whole shebang kicks of on Sat 25th...Watch the official stuff here . Keep an eye on this space for some more insider sneak chats.

The greenlight crew in action


The so-called Silver Fox of local yachting, Dave Hudson himself, has just flown his secret weapon, son Roger, in for an exclusive chat at the Royal Cape bar with a pinch of salt. Since he came all the way, he might as well stay for this week-end’s WP champs and impending Lipton Cup starting on the 25th.
Deep South Diaries: Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to chat.
Roger Hudson: No probs.
DSD: This is a really settled team, is that a big factor over the other crews who are still getting used to each other?
Dave Hudson: Well this week-end will be a real shake-up with two only arriving today from overseas. These are the boys that were defending last year, so we want that big mug back.
DSD: Rog, how much sailing have you been doing in London?
RH: Does Virtual Skipper count? Not much, but it’s like a bicycle. We’ll be shaking out the cobwebs this week-end, and we’re all pretty much unemployed, so there’ll be some training leading up to the regatta.
[Dirk de Jager saddles up from the change room]
Dirk de Jager: Hey guys we having a drink, Guinness? Gotta love the pounds,Rog!
DH: not now Dirk, busy with skippers interview.
DdJ:But I’m a co-skipper too now, aren’t I - you promised me.
DH: sorry Dirk, there’s only space for two, they must have made a printing error.
DdJ: and now Simon says he’s not doing bow anymore. Who’s doing it?
RH: You’re the best man for the job, Diggler.
DdJ: But that’s like 6 years in a row now, what ever happened to crew promotion?
DH: don’t worry, I’ll help fund your Ph.D.
DdJ: OK, cool, that’ll be great.
[dirk wombles down to the boat, to resume his boatbitching duties]
RH: I can’t believe he fell for that!
DH: Ja, classic!
DSD: Anyway, back to the sailing. It’s a quality field this year.
DH: Brilliant stuff, I’m really looking forward to it.
RH: Ja, who would want to pick a winner? I expect lots of drama at the top of the fleet.
DSD: What’s the strategy, play conservative and build up podium places to a first overall or go for the bullets?
DH: Play it safe, consistency pays off.
RH: We’re lightning fast, will be picking the flyers if we get a chance.
DSD: How’s the Greenlight looking?
DH: Well it would have been nice to be on a kick-ass racer, but I think we’re all happy with the size and quality of the fleet, which would only happen on L26s.
RH: It looks like Gerry has been pimping our ride too, we got mo’ bling than tho’ king.
DH: huh?
RH: Don’t worry, it’s all good.
DSD: Well I won’t keep you any longer, good luck for the racing, and try keep it in the Cape.
DH: Been a pleasure.
RH: shot, ‘nother beer?