The first BUSA tour team… 65 years later
by Jeremy Vines 25 Nov 17:50 GMT
The inaugural BUSA tour team.. © Vines family
On November 21, 2024, the British Universities Sailing Team from 1959 reunited at the Royal Thames Yacht Club to enjoy lunch and share memories of their tour in the USA. Over the years, while they may have traded their Fireflys for walking sticks, they still actively participate in sailing in various capacities.
This marked the inaugural BUSA tour to the USA, establishing a tradition that continues with teams visiting roughly every four years. Since that first trip in 1959, over 150 top sailors from the UK have had the incredible opportunity to gain experience and improve their skills in various types of American racing yachts.
During that time, the key competitions were the British America Universities Cup and the Lipton Trophy, both of which the ’59 team won decisively, achieving 5 races to 0 in each competition. One event was held in ‘Inter Club’ dinghies on Long Island Sound, while the other took place in Fireflys on the Charles River.
Upon their return, they were celebrated, especially since it was a British triumph shortly after another unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the America’s Cup. The RTYC organized a wonderful celebratory lunch, and now, 65 years later, they reunited in the same venue, albeit with a different menu. While their habits are more moderate now, they still managed to finish a couple of bottles.
The five individuals in the 2024 photo are Brian Appleton (Captain), James Grogono, Andrew Green, John Evans, and Jeremy Vines. The sixth member from the 1959 photo is Martin Hall, who, unfortunately, passed away far too early.
