 In December 1980 at the age of 18, he broke his first major story, securing an exclusive interview with a Soviet defector who jumped ship in Sydney Harbour to seek political asylum.Towards the end of his four years with the Herald, Jason's personal vacation to New York City in September 1983 coincided with Australia winning sailing's America's Cup.Jason borrowed a blazer and talked his way into the New York Yacht Club before sending back an insider's account to the Sydney Morning Herald on the night the United States lost the America's Cup for the first time after 132 years.