I did mast on Russtine for a few seasons, at Ramsgate week, Burnham, the RORC, EAORA and JOG races.I worked at the EDEC in Gosport, in that crazy warehouse. I was only 17 - 19 I think. I am so sad to hear about Russells passing. Russell was always desperate to win the Town Cup. One year - ? 88 we nearly did. Russtine was a lovely boat, had new Relling sails, a lightweight genoa. We sailed a great race, our sail changes were slick, it went from lumpy and grey to quiet. Coming back up the river, we thought it was in the bag. The wind filled in from behind and we were pipped.. (by a Sigma 38? I really can't remember).We'd worked so hard, and I was really pissed off. Russell tho' - he waved to them, shouted well done. That was the kind of man he was. I am really saddened to hear that he's passed away. he was a bloody decent bloke. I also sailed on Hops, so knew a bit about the 79 Fastnet. Sail on mate. David Blee, Cowra, NSW, Australia.