As I look back now, I am amazed where my life journey has taken me―from a young student protesting in Tiananmen Square to Sydney as a maritime book publisher. It has been a truly interesting voyage.
I migrated from China to Australia in 1998, the adventurous one in my family. My curiosity about the world beyond China bloomed in high school as I began learning English. I longed for the freedom I read about in western societies, dreaming of America after being inspired by Ronald Reagan's stories and the UK after learning how a grocer's daughter could rise to become Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. But it was the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests that ultimately set my course for Australia. A classmate, seeking a new life after that historic event, inspired me to follow suit. Five years later, with a Skilled Visa in hand, I landed in Sydney.
My knowledge of Australia was limited. Information in China was scarce back then, and as they say, "The ignorant are fearless." I was unprepared for the challenges that awaited me, particularly the unique Aussie English that rendered my American English lessons almost useless!
It was in this new land that I met my Captain, Dick Gandy. I always called him Captain, and I quickly became his first mate. One of his former colleagues later shared the story of their meeting:
"Hi Jing, I remember bumping into Dick after not having seen him for a couple of years. He was really ‘up’ and said life was great. He went on to tell me how he had spoken to a woman he really liked in a shopping centre and wanted some way to continue the conversation with her. I said, “You should have fainted” and he said, “I did!!”
It felt like I had known Dick forever. It was an instant connection. His eyes sparkled with infatuation. My Captain was older and wiser, larger than life, charming, charismatic, a great storyteller, and above all, a man with a big heart.
Dick was a Master Mariner, a man who dedicated his life to the sea. He had a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he was passionate about sharing it with others. This passion led him to create the Australian Boating Manual, a comprehensive guide to all things boating. First published in 1996, the manual quickly became known as the "Boating Bible" – a testament to Dick's meticulous research and dedication to safety and education on the water. It was, and still is, an invaluable resource for both recreational boaters and professional mariners, covering everything from basic navigation to complex maritime regulations. Dick poured his heart and soul into that book, constantly updating it to reflect the latest changes in the industry.
Sadly, my Captain passed away in 2018, just 20 days after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. About two years prior, he had asked if I would continue his business if something happened to him. I had jokingly dismissed the idea, finding the maritime world "too dry and boring." I never imagined I would one day be at the helm of his legacy.
After Dick's passing, family and friends advised me to sell the business. With a young daughter, a growing community language school, and the overwhelming grief of losing my Captain, taking on a publishing business seemed impossible. But Dick's spirit lived on in the pages of his manual. It was a lifeline, a connection to him that I couldn't bear to let go. So, despite my fear and inexperience, I took the plunge.
The challenge was immense. I had no maritime knowledge, no publishing experience, and English was my second language. I was floundering in uncharted waters, terrified of failing Dick and letting his legacy fade. But the maritime community rallied around me. Experienced mariners generously shared their time and expertise, helping me navigate the complexities of the industry and keep the manual current. Their support was invaluable, a testament to the camaraderie and spirit of the boating world.
Today, 29 years after its first publication, the Australian Boating Manual remains an essential reference for boaters of all levels. It's widely used in maritime training and is a trusted companion for recreational boaters seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
My days are now filled with processing orders, managing accounts, answering reader queries, liaising with maritime experts, and overseeing the printing and distribution of the manual. I've connected with inspiring female maritime professionals, and I'm eager to involve more women in future editions.
This unexpected journey has been a profound learning experience. I've discovered a passion for the maritime world I never knew I had, forged meaningful connections with incredible people, and found a way to keep my Captain's legacy alive. And when I need to escape the demands of work and motherhood, I find solace in singing (especially Rod Stewart's "Sailing," which evokes cherished memories of my Captain), and the meditative art of pottery.
From Tiananmen Square to the helm of a maritime publishing house, my voyage has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. It's a testament to the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring legacy of a Master Mariner named Captain Dick Gandy.
You have an inspiring story of love, determination and an enduring legacy. BZ