Gilbert ‘Tig’ Thomas

Yachting

Gilbert commenced sailing in 1949 and is a foundation member of Wagga Wagga Boat Club serving as Treasurer, Vice Commodore, Secretary and Commodore twice. He was made a Life Member in 1963.

Gilbert joined Middle Harbour Yatch Club in 1966 and sailed Endeavour 24's until 1971, winning the 1970 and 1971 NSW State Championship on Allonville and Allonville Too.

Winning Divisions 2 and 2B of the 1971 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with Plum Crazy was the start of an illustrious record with continued successes in ocean and inshore races against Australia's best.

He won the inaugural South Solitary Island Race in 1972 and then again in 1973.

He also won the first International Half Ton competition (the Dunhill Series) conducted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in 1972 with Plum Crazy. He went on to represent Australia in the World Half Ton Cup (Yachting) in Denmark 1973 and France 1974.

Thomas with Crazy Plum continued to win races in Australia and in 1975 sailed the Sydney to Hobart in the fastest time ever for a yacht under 9.5 metres. He held this record for 27 years.

He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.