Radio Rogers

My father-in-law is a bit of legend in the sailing world. Not only is he an amazing craftsman and innovative boat builder (he bought the technology from Lotus to start vacuum moulding boats in the 70's), he is also an awesome helmsman. Back then, as well as building two Contessa 32s a week, he'd also build a racing boat every year for the prestigious Admiral's Cup Series and go off with his brother Jonathan and mates as crew, and invariably win! He was awarded Yachtsman of the Year in 1974 for diverting from a race in the One Ton Cup to respond to a flare - and rescuing a family whose boat had caught fire and sank. In more recent years, despite not racing regularly, and being in his 70s Jeremy doesn't seem to have lost his edge at all. In 2002, 2003 and 2006 he won the Round-The-Island Race in his Contessa 26, Rosina (an incredible achievement as anyone who knows about the race will understand), and most recently the Contessa 32 National Championships have been his two years running in Gigi. Jeremy is one of those people who doesn't say much, but when he does - people listen and yet he is genuinely the most modest person you could hope to meet and definitely media shy. So, it was with some surprise to learn that Jeremy had agreed to go with Kit to be interviewed live on BBC Radio Solent about Calypso last Sunday (scroll through 27 minutes to reach the interview). Believe me, this is newsworthy, kind of like the sailing equivalent of Kate Moss giving a live interview.... or something like that!