Uffa Fox (1898–1972)

[H]e told me he 'was going to build dinghies.' Build dinghies he did, and instantly found himself at the head of the acknowledged masters, establishing such an undisputed lead that this year every one of the first fifteen dinghies in the race for the Prince of Wales's Cup was his. ... He has turned his mind to canoes and won the International Canoe trophy fom the Americans. He has stirred things up wherever he has been. Finally, last year, he took to writing, and produced the best book with show more the worst title (too long to quote here) that has been offered to yachtsmen for a very long time. This year he has produced as good a book with a better title. It is a miscellany as full of character as is the vital creature who designed it. ... He never flags for a moment. Go it, Uffa! And if, as you promise, you are going to make a habit of it, and give us a new book every year, you provide a new motive for longevity.

[Arthur Ransome in The Observer, 5 Jan. 1936; reproduced in Christina Hardyment, Ransome on blue water sailing, pp. 72-73]. show less

Given to me by Leo Hajenius