Win creates a space problem

By JULIE ASH

Marie and Willie Wilson reckon they may have to build an extra wall in their house to keep up with son Stu's sailing memorabilia.

Since Stu Wilson began his sailing career almost 30 years ago, the walls in his parents' Bay of Islands home have been covered with mementoes from his competitions.

But when the Assa Abloy crew - including Stu - were on the podium after winning the third leg of the Volvo Ocean race from Sydney to Auckland in eight days, 11 hours, 50 minutes and 42 seconds, it dawned on Mrs Wilson that she may have a problem.

"We are really running out of wall space," she said.

The Wilsons were among a number of spectators who braved wet weather to welcome home the leading boats in the round-the-world fleet early yesterday morning.

"It was a long night," said Mr Wilson. "We didn't get much sleep."

But the sight of their son arriving in Auckland made it all worthwhile.

"It has been his lifelong ambition to be on the first boat into Auckland," Mr Wilson said.

Thirty-five-year-old Stu Wilson is competing in his third round-the-world race. He said the leg from Sydney to Auckland via Hobart was tough, although Assa Abloy led from early on.

"It was a horrible leg. I was worried the whole time about being passed," he said.

"I have been in front so many times before and been beaten."

Richard Mason, the other New Zealander in Assa Abloy's crew, was given the honour of being at the helm as the yacht crossed the finish line, a moment he described as a childhood dream come true.

"My knees are knocking," he said, "and I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow now I've achieved the greatest goal of my life."