Dear Joan,

Would you please pass on my sincere thanks to all the members who came to my rescue when I collapsed with spinal injury whilst crewing on the Saturday Treasure Hunt at Cobnor. I had to be lowered by the boom onto the shoulders of two big men who were standing in the water.

They then carried me across two fields to my tent. In the evening I was then carried to the celebration dinner and back again afterwards. Meals were provided whilst I was flat on my back and I received offers to get me home in a camper van, and for my car and boat to be driven up north.

However, by the Wednesday I was just able to drive after members had packed up my boat and tent.

What a splendid association we have, with this kind of comradeship.

I am now fully recovered and I often think what would have been the result had it happened whilst sailing single-handed in the Solent.

Many thanks to all concerned, and also my thanks must go to Hugh Clay and his team for an otherwise super weekend.

Regards, Colin Bell