Thanks again Fatty!
31 August 2012 | South East Asia
It's no big deal to have a letter published in a magazine or newspaper...usually.
I came back to sailing after reading some books by sailing journalist Gary (Fatty) Goodlander. If someone has a positive effect upon your life, it is important to let them know this; that way you go some small way toward returning the favour.
Years ago I used to read Mr Goodlander's features in one of the world's premier cruising magazines, Cruising World. He's a funny bloke with an obvious sense of humour and a writer's ability to see things from a different perspective.
I had, for one reason or another, sold my boat and decided upon an early semi retirement. It was a good plan which would have done most people well, but I missed cruising. I missed my boat.
With wisdom gained from time and with the assistance of books written by the venerable Goodlander bloke, I bought a boat. If you want to understand the brief history of this, read back through this blog.
Meanwhile, I sent Fatty a note of thanks. He subsequently wrote to me saying it was the nicest letter he had ever received. 'Sure', I thought. But I was subsequently asked by the Editor of CW if they could publish the letter after Fatty had passed it across to them.
Baring one's soul to the world can be a dangerous thing, but, the letter was heartfelt and if he wanted to publish, then that would be fine with me.
In September 2012's edition of Cruising World, headlining page 18 is my letter under the title 'On Mind-Blowing Happiness'. It is still pertinent. It is truthful and it obviously hit the mark with Fatty Goodlander. So, while I don't believe the favour has been yet fully repaid, it is closer to being so than it was last week.