John Bertrand’s America’s Cup book has been back in the Townsville library for 33 years

A book by America’s Cup-winning skipper John Bertrand, borrowed from a Townsville library in 1987, returned to the returns box after sailing around the world for 33 years aboard various yachts.

The book, Born to Win, was passed from one westbound skipper to another until he recently returned to the Australian shores, according to Julie Zacchei of CityLibraries Townsville.

Ms. Zacchei said the book was sent back to the library by a woman who found it aboard the Tasmanian yacht Roama.

“She has traveled for about 33 years to almost every port in the world … people read it, loved it, put in little comments and eventually came back to us,” she said.

The book’s trip around the world appears to have been suggested by a reader in September 1987, who wrote on the inside cover that it should have been delivered to all westbound yachts.

The proposal also included a note to library staff indicating that the return journey could take some time:

“For the librarian, we’re sorry this book is a little late, but we all enjoyed reading it. Thanks.”

Looking at the notes left inside the cover, the book has traveled to places including Kastellorizo ​​in Greece, Palha, Spain and Gothenburg, Sweden.

Around the world in 33 years

Born to Win is Australia II skipper Bertrand’s account of Australia’s 1983 America’s Cup victory.

One of the many yachties to read the 1985 edition of the globetrotter was Simon Adams, who wrote to it in July 1989 while aboard the Roama.

“Your mission, if you choose to accept, is to return this book to the Townsville and Thuringowa library service.”

Mission complete.

The water in the book is damaged and the visually moldy conditions prevent it from circulating in libraries, however staff are considering using it for an exhibition.

“I think her story continues and needs to be told,” said Ms. Zacchei.

“There are definitely a lot of interested people looking at it and asking for it.

“I think it’s a story we will tell for many years to come.”

Original borrowers will be happy to know that CityLibraries Townsville does not charge late fees.