The next stage

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When we got to the stage of regulars at the dam, we were included in all things sailing, I remember the wonderful prize givings where Dad and Don were called up to the front of the clubhouse to receive their prizes.   I was so proud of them, I wondered how it felt to receive so many medals, I would wear the medals around my neck pretending that I was the most successful sailor in the room.  I recall a funny dam story;  one Sunday on the drive home, all sun kissed and tired, our labrador, Breezy had helped Dad carry the soap in his mouth to the shower,  not long into the drive home,  Breezy started to burp up soapy bubbles and then shot out a projectile trail of bubbly liquid straight into Dad’s lap, my guess is that had we been closer to home that dog would have been shown the general direction in which to walk !!  At Vaal Dam most weekends a regatta of sorts took place, the Round the Island race was the longest race.  Sometimes the yachts would race into the night which was even more exciting waiting for Dad to come back to our caravan and share his stories.  He and Don were the champions of the Vaal and were selected to compete in the Soling South African Games in Durban, they won.   How proud I was to see Dad’s gold SA Champs medal – in later years we were to hear of the mischievous adventures they had in Durban, men, beers and their sailing boots !!!