Skipper Bertie Reed passes away

Stanley John (Bertie) Reed (63), international sailing legend and one of the most popular skippers in single-handed racing around the world, died at his home in Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, after a long illness. He had been suffering from cancer. Reed will be especially remembered for his brave rescue of fellow South African John Martin, whose yacht sank after hitting a submerged iceberg in the Southern Ocean during the 1990/91 BOC Challenge. For this heroic deed and example of outstanding seamanship in extreme conditions he received the Wolraad Woltemade Decoration, then South Africa's highest civilian award for bravery. During his life-time he sailed about 170 000 nautical miles competitively, of which over 100 000 was single-handed - including three solo circumnavigations of the globe.