Category: mickey spillane

MY LIFE IN BOATS

I assembled this a few years ago because even I forget some of the boats and events I sailed. Still fond memories; and still making more.

BAND OF BROTHERS

I am about to start my 9th transatlantic race on 7 different boats. I have sailed with a number of people as a result; and have warm memories of each race, each boat, and each and every person.

It is a fraternity that one can only join by competing.

I had news a few days ago that another of that fraternity had died. Peter Van Dyke passed away. A loss to our group.

PETER VAN DYKE, '72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE
PETER VAN DYKE, ’72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE

RICH DUMOULIN '72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE
RICH DUMOULIN ’72 TRANSATLANTIC RACE

HARRY MORGAN, JACK CUMMISKEY
HARRY MORGAN, JACK CUMMISKEY

LARRY HUNTINGTON AND CREW
LARRY HUNTINGTON AND CREW

ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSON AND DAVID AISHER
ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSON AND DAVID AISHER

TRANSALANTIC TROPHIIES
TRANSALANTIC TROPHIIES

PARTY TENT
PARTY TENT

THE RACE
THE RACE

COLLEGE AND AMERICA'S CUP
COLLEGE AND AMERICA’S CUP

ANOTHER SHIPMATE MEETS HIS MAKER

Mickey Spillane, longtime friend and shipmate was killed hang gliding in Brazil. We had sailed many miles together. I always enjoyed having Mickey aboard as he exuded calm. We last sailed together last summer in Newport for the six meter north american championships; we finished second. The group photo was aboard “Charisma” in 1973, we were part of the American Admiral’s Cup team. Bill Ficker was helmsman.  Culminating in a second overall in the Fastnet race, second to a sistership from Brazil.

We celebrated Mickey’s 30th wedding anniversary a few summers ago. He met his wife, Alice, when we were racing in Brazil.
 If you click on the link and scroll down to the video shot in Brazil at one of the spots for hang gliding.
We had been looking forward to seeing Mickey and Alice, who were due to return to Newport any day. I was already making plans for sailing with Mickey.