Sailing with Jim Close
In 1999, I had the privilege of sailing with Jim Close during the Maxi 80 One Design World Championship. Looking back, it remains one of the most memorable experiences of my sailing career.
The adventure began when Ernesto Bertarelli acquired eight Maxi 80 one-design monohulls, creating a fleet where success would be determined not by technology or bigger budgets, but by the skill and teamwork of the sailors on board. We represented South Africa aboard Rainbow Magic, under the leadership of our skipper, Geoff Meek. We had an excellent crew, and everyone worked tirelessly to get the very best performance from the yacht.
Jim Close was responsible for managing the sail inventory, while I worked closely alongside him as the sailmaker from South Africa, where the sails had originally been built. It was during those months that I came to appreciate just how exceptional Jim was.
He possessed an extraordinary understanding of sail shape and performance. No matter the conditions, he always seemed to have another idea, another adjustment, another recut that could squeeze a little more speed out of the boat. Whenever we went into the sail loft to repair or modify sails, I treated every session as a masterclass. Jim taught me countless lessons, not only about sailmaking but about problem-solving and seamanship.
What made him truly special was his attitude. He approached every challenge with determination, good humour, and a constant smile. Even under pressure, he remained calm and focused, making everyone around him feel confident.
One of the highlights of that season was racing in Cowes Week on the Solent. The competition in our one-design class was fierce, but through hard work, teamwork, and Jim’s continual sail refinements, Rainbow Magic performed brilliantly. By the end of the regatta, we had won our class overall. It was a tremendous achievement and a testament to the dedication of the entire crew.
One incident, however, stands out above all others.
During a long-distance race, disaster struck when our 0.75-ounce spinnaker suffered a massive tear across the entire head section. It was a crucial sail for that particular leg of the race, and without it our performance would be severely compromised.
While the race continued, Jim quickly assembled a few crew members and disappeared below deck with the damaged sail. For hours they worked in difficult conditions, repairing the enormous tear while the yacht surged through the waves above them.
Eventually Jim emerged and announced that the sail was ready.
The crew looked at one another with a mixture of hope and disbelief as the repaired spinnaker was hoisted. As it filled with wind and drew perfectly, astonishment spread across the deck. The repair was so expertly executed that it was almost impossible to see where the tear had been. The sail looked and performed as if nothing had happened.
That moment perfectly captured who Jim Close was. He combined technical brilliance, practical skill, determination, leadership, and an unfailing sense of humour. Problems that seemed impossible were simply challenges waiting to be solved.
More than twenty-five years later, I still remember those days aboard Rainbow Magic. The victories were special, but the greatest reward was the opportunity to work alongside and learn from a sailor of Jim’s calibre. His knowledge, craftsmanship, and seamanship left a lasting impression on me, and the lessons he taught continue to influence me to this day.
Some sailors are remembered for the races they win. Jim Close is remembered for the people he inspired.
Having sailed with Jim, I know I am not alone in saying that everyone who has had the privilege of sailing alongside him has been enriched by the experience. His knowledge, skill, humour, and generosity have left a lasting impression on countless sailors over the years.
Jim has always been far more than an exceptional sailor. He is a remarkable person whose determination, kindness, and positive spirit have inspired all who know him. Whether on the racecourse, in the sail loft, or simply sharing stories after a long day on the water, he has a unique ability to bring out the best in those around him.
Knowing of the health challenges he now faces, my admiration for him is even greater. The same courage, resilience, and strength of character that made him such an outstanding sailor continue to define him today.
I wish Jim many more sailing miles, fair winds, and memorable adventures. May he continue to enjoy the sea he loves so much, surrounded by friends, family, and the countless people whose lives he has touched. It has been an honour to have sailed with him, learned from him, and called him a friend…. All the best Etienne.
Etienne is a part owner of North sailmakers South Africa based in Capetown. After sailing and working with him for a 3month period in Europe on the mighty RSA Rainbow Magic 80ft Maxi one design racing yacht. I really got to know him well both as a great friend, also as a skilled sailor. I look back and treasure the time that we all had together. We worked hard, sailed hard and were successfull, an example of our generation X never say die attitude.
