Buccaneer sailors directly reflect Dick Gibb’s dedication to the preservation of the design. Others plow energy into the Buccaneer spirit that is part Corinthian, part pirate, and mostly fun. While many contribute, there are usually a few who stand above. Each year one of these Buccaneers will be designated the “Cup-Bearer” for the MacAlpine-Downie/Gibbs Cup. The BCA Commodore will select the Cup Bearer for distinction and contribution to Buccaneer sailing. The Cup Bearer will have his or her name recorded on the perpetual plaque. The Cup bearer will also retain the award cup for the year.
In a nod to Rod’s Scottish roots a Scottish Quaich (pronounced quake) has been chosen for the award cup. The Quaich is a shallow drinking vessel that is traditionally used to offer a drink of welcome and farewell to travelers. It is sometimes called a “cup of friendship”. The Quaich is ideal for an award to be associated with Buccaneers gathering from afar and for
J.R. (Rod) Macalpine-Downie — 1934-1986
By Dick Gibbs, his design partner (beginning in 1964).
Born – Appin, Argyll, Scotland.
Gained his interest in sailing and science from his father, an offshore sailor and specialist in hypervelocity artillery shells and armor to resist his newest weapon.
Rod won the King’s Scholar Award at Eaton. He majored in biology and seriously considered a career as a concert violinist. One of his professors at Eaton said he remembered him well, because an IQ can be accurately tested to 170, but his went off the scale.
While chicken farming in Scotland in 1961, he saw a Shearwater Cat, and although he never designed a boat, concluded he could do a better job. The first boat was Thai MK4 which won all six races of the 1962 European, “one of