I narrowly missed the 'opportunity' to buy a 1974 Ted Turner designed Cape Caribe 32 from FT Asia correspondent Victor Mallett, as seen advertised at the Aberdeen Boat Club. Classic lines, lots of teak, bowsprit - beautiful looking. I had requested a copy of the insurance survey and called Nic Robinson the surveyor to get his views. Capt Nic said that he remembered the boat and while appearing in good order, the boat was quite 'original' in terms of engine and other systems and hence would require significant expenditure - what did I expect for a 35 year old boat? This would need to be reflected in the price.

However, before I got a chance to view, someone else offered the asking price and it was gone. Not sour grapes at all, but a friend that had crewed on the boat in the Round the Island Race had said it was very ponderous and absolutely awful to sail upwind...