My favourite female sailor (cont)
December 21st 2006 17:38
Getting a ride back from Hobart on Innkeeper was a dream come true. She was the only girl and I think six guys. As they were crossing Bass Straight a huge storm blew up and most people were below and sick. She had the helm and if it were not for her harness would have been washed overboard several times. During the storm the mast came crashing down. The skipper came racing up to check what was wrong and was caught by a huge wave and she grabbed him by his shirtfront and hauled him fully back on board. Not just beautiful but strong. With the mast gone and most of the crew seasick the decision was made to abandon the yacht. A rescue helicopter was called and everyone was winched on board.
I was sitting on a beach in Yeppoon watching my son compete in his first national Sabot titles when I received a phone call. Do I know a mister Caban? No I replied. Well they said, they were calling from a hospital on a small island off Tasmania and had mister Caban there and I was his contact in emergency. The penny dropped. I asked the male caller to go and put his hands on mr Caban’s chest then come back and talk to me. He did and a little later returned and said, I see what you mean. Big aren’t they? I then told him he had Natasza Caban. The mistake was easy with everyone off the yacht wearing wet weather gear.
Months later the yacht was actually found still afloat and towed to Eden. The crew’s personal belongings were returned to them and I still wear the T-shirt that says Sydney Hobart 1999 and am proud to say that it was on a “sunken” yacht.
Natasza had a boyfriend who had asked her to an exclusive ball. She didn’t have dress to wear and she wanted me to play fairy Godmother. I did not know what to do at first but one day the answer came. A girlfriend of mine is a notorious eastern suburbs madam and she I knew had a wardrobe full of gowns. I sent Natasza to visit with strict instructions to Terry not to try and recruit her. She wore her gown and was belle of the ball. Nobody realising the history of the dress.
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