VERTUE OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Matthew Power

(I don't intend to make a habit of publicizing `other' associations, but Vertues are an exception).

Twelve Vertues attended a rally at Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, on 20-21 August, the largest gathering of this classic for some considerable time. They ranged from Andrillot, Vertue No 1, to the latest GRP model. A reception was held afloat, attended by Susan Hiscock, President of the Association.

It was noted that James Burdett had repeated history by winning the Royal Cruising Club's `Seamanship Trophy' in Mary, after successfully bringing her through force 11 winds in the Bay of Biscay, some forty-three years after Humphrey Barton won the same award following his epic Atlantic crossing in Vertue XXXV (a passage which undoubtedly had a lot to do with the founding of our own club).

The Vertue Owners Association now has a worldwide membership of fifty-six and new members are always welcome. Vertues are still being built, with five completed over the past year and another five currently under construction.

For more information contact: The Association Secretary, Matthew Power, 13 Gordon Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7SW, UK. Tel: 01983 298616

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