Son rises to challenge in Solo Trans-Tasman race
Hamish Dickson says he has major bragging rights over his father Malcolm after beating him in the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Race.
Hamish came in first, completing the race in nine days and nine hours and Malcolm came second, crossing the finish line in Mooloolaba, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia approximately 12 hours after his son.
‘‘It was pretty good to beat him as he is a bloody good sailer,’’ Hamish, 42, said.
‘‘He taught me everything I know about sailing.’’
Hamish said it feels surreal to have finished the race, which left from New Plymouth on April 1, let alone to have won it.
‘‘There is so much that goes in to just getting to the start line and so much effort from everyone involved.
‘‘It’s still feeling surreal that the journey has come to an end.’’
Even though 72-year-old Malcolm, who also competed in the race in 1978 in one of the smallest boats in the competition, came second, a part of him crossed the finish line with Hamish, making him a winner as well.
‘‘Dad designed and built both boats that we raced in. I grew up on the Zenith and learned how to sail on it.
‘‘They sold it when I was about 20 and then I was lucky enough later in life to be in a position to buy it back.
‘‘So it’s a big thank you to the old man for building the boat, he’s a winner in his own right.’’
Hamish said now he can just enjoy the win and the experience he had with his father. ‘‘And catch up on some sleep.’’
Malcolm said he was delighted his son won the race. ‘‘It would have been nice to win but I’m more than happy to be beaten by my boy in a boat I designed.
‘‘We achieved the ultimate outcome which was to come first and second.
‘‘There’s a saying that if a master has done his job right the student will out play the master and that is exactly what’s happened.’’