Durward took me under his wing in the early 80's. He was already a legend in the sport I was hoping to become good at. When competing in the Star class in Nassau, I stayed with he and Holly in their home on Winton Highway. I won my first Silver Star on his waters, from the upstairs bedroom of his home.
Apart from the best sailing on the planet, one of my fondest memories from my time in Nassau is of laying on my bed in the late afternoon, after a hard day of sailing on the waters east of Montague Bay, and listening to the piano coming from the lady next door, while the sea-breeze blew through that upstairs bedroom. That memory is permanently etched in my mind. I reminded Durward of that in my last visit with him on February 5th.
Through the years we always managed to stay in touch. I urged him to compete at the 1988 Olympics, at the age of 71. He visited me, in San Diego, during the 1992 America's Cup. Durward was sharp, sarcastic, and had the biggest heart on the planet. He loved reminiscing. He appreciated friends and family. Most of all, he appreciated Holly. Did I say he was smart?
Fortunately, he made 100 and the party we had was a great opportunity for so many to share their thoughts for the Captain, while he was present. So often we only get a chance to do that at a memorial.
I am also honored to be the care taker of 4789, his Gold Medal GEM IX. He got to know that in his final days.
Always the Captain, he is now sailing with eased sheets. "Slack the hand, Mon!"
Paul
