Determined to help, Peter had raised the necessary funds to collect several container loads of sails, but lacked the contacts to be able to send the sails to those most in need.

This is where the National Office of the AOS in Australia was able to assist. We wrote letters and gave supporting documents to various overseas government departments to seek for Trade Exemptions for the free delivery of these sails to the various countries. Contact with local agents also allowed us to gain approval by shipping companies to transport the sails to places like Madagascar, Seychelles, Kenya and Tanzania.

Through the Sails Ocean Sails Program, they were also able to send people over to help train these small fishing communities in how to use the sails, assist them with learning basic navigational skills and give them maps and charts. They were also taught how to use the sails if they found themselves adrift at sea with engine problems. The project was a complete success and shows just what can be done when different sections of the commu-nity get together for the benefit of those less fortunate than others. Our congratulations go out to Peter Gately for his magnificent work and also to Ted Richardson for his assistance in making possible the delivery of these much-needed sails. *

Some Culture & Superstitions from Russia

• Never shake hands with a Russian under a doorway or archway
• When giving flowers, even amounts for gifts, odd amounts for death
• When someone is eating, it is polite to say “Priatnovo apetita”
• Russian women prefer to nod or a kiss rather than a handshake
• Never whistle on a Russian ship — it's an omen for bad weather.
• Never lend or give money in the evening