BAYSNEWS: This month we’re talking to Michael Doherty. Michael, for those who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
MICHAEL: As a youngster growing up in the suburb of Gordon, family weekends were regularly spent fishing and boating on Pittwater. I have distant memories of torpedos being tested from the naval base at Taylors Point. Then as a teenager I spent much of my spare time hitchhiking down Mona Vale Road for a surf. My first home was in Mona Vale.
Before sailing, surfing was my passion. I had great joy in shaping my own surf boards and North Avalon was my favourite local hangout.
Responding to a 2002 advertisement in the Manly Daily, Sarah and I were successful in becoming the new managers of the Pittwater YHA and continued there for 18 years. We now live below the YHA in Morning Bay. Over this time I have continued my professional work as a geotechnical engineer working for a small company. I have been mainly involved with landslide risk assessments in the Pittwater area.
BAYSNEWS: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
MICHAEL: A tossup between going to a Van Morrison concert at Killyleagh on the shores of Strangford Loch and the next sailing adventure shared with friends.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest fear?
MICHAEL: Not finding a carpark!
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
MICHAEL: In missing out on that last carpark at the Point!
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in others?
MICHAEL: The driver who got the last carpark!
BAYSNEWS: Which person (living or deceased) do you most admire, and why?
MICHAEL: I most admire a good friend – Nick’s dad, John Hill. He was very generous and patient in sharing his skills as a craftsman in woodwork, blacksmithing, calligraphy and much more. The name of my boat Sequel is by John’s handwriting. As a flow-on I enjoy working with Nick, most recently in creating a sculptured Innovations 2023 Trophy for the Woody Point Yacht Club.
BAYSNEWS: Which person (living or deceased) to you most despise, and why?
MICHAEL: Despising is wasted energy.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest achievement?
MICHAEL: Getting through some challenging health issues.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest regret?
MICHAEL: I would have liked to have been a few inches taller at the 1970’s Monkees’ concert at the Sydney Stadium.
BAYSNEWS: Which talent would you most like to have?
MICHAEL: virtuoso recorder player
BAYSNEWS: What is your motto?
MICHAEL: I believe in god with an extra “o” in the middle
BAYSNEWS: You’ve been heavily involved in the community through the WPCA. What motivates your political/public interest?
MICHAEL: There is something around the unique sense of place, both social and physical that is the western shore and offering my geotechnical skills where applicable.
BAYSNEWS: Sailing? Would it be correct to say this is a passion with you? What is it about sailing that you love?
MICHAEL: The name of my sailing boat, Sequel captures what follows on from sailing: adventure and friendship plus respecting and being in nature. Sailing has taken me many places and is the source of so many friendships.
BAYSNEWS: Thanks Michael. Keep practising that recorder. Quietly.
Note: This Q&A was adapted from Antionette Faure’s 1886 questionnaire. It was made famous by its first contributor, Marcel Proust, and is now known as the Proust Questionnaire. Of course.