Colin Cain, 1944 - 2012

Sailing
Mosman resident: 25+ years

Colin started sailing at 17, competing as crew in eight CYC Sydney to Hobart yacht races on traditional deep-keeled boats with real sea-keeping abilities in the days when it took 5 days to reach Hobart in good conditions. His enthusiasm for the sport continued despite one of the boats "turning turtle" early into the trip down to Hobart and as a result all the cans on board lost their labels - it was a surprise packet as to whether they were going to eat baked beans or tinned peaches for dinner. This did not deter him at all and he went on to sail various craft for the rest of his life.

In the 1970s Colin started sailing Diamonds, a hard-chined open cockpit 30 foot racer, from Middle Harbour Yacht Club and won his division in 1974, 1975 and 1976. One of his Diamonds "Catch 22" named after her sail number, had a bulls-eye on her stern daring all the other boats in the fleet to catch him.

Colin bought a Laser in 1987 and then his passion for this class took him to compete in World Laser Championships in Mexico, Ireland, USA, Spain, Turkey, Korea and also Terrigal. He was a key member of the organising committee for this Australian event in 2008.

He was Commodore of the Middle Harbour Amateur Sailing Club from 1997-2000 and Vice Chairman of the NSW & ACT Laser Class Association (ALCA) from 2009. In 2012 prior to his death ALCA voted Colin Laser Sailor of the Year.

In 2001 Colin purchased a Northshore 34 and sailed in the Twilight Series from MHYC achieving 2nd in 2002 and 3rd in 2008/09.

Colin was a confident and capable sailor who loved to taste the salty breeze.