French reader Vincent Besin has replied to the story and comment about the history of the OSTAR and Tom Follett’s giant-killing performance in the little boat in 1968.

He sent this pic with the comment: ‘Maybe you will like to know that Cheers, the 1968 Dick Newick’s proa has been completly restored, she is sailing again here in Port Saint Louis south of France, and has been designed as “monument historique” by the french administration and now protected by the french governement.’

Yes, indeed, and well done to the French for saving a fantastic piece of history we let rot. Cheers spent 25 years in a museum in Exeter, until only 50% of the structure and fittings could be used.

Bravo.