I heard yesterday that Brian Saffery Cooper, great Merlin Rocket sailor of the 50's and 60's passed away earlier in the week. Condolences to Pam and his family.

Very sorry to get this news Barry.  Brian and his father, Geoffery, were stalwarts of the class.  I remember meetings at Tammy with Geoffery sailing 68 Joy and Brian in 97 Buccaneer with his signature low aspect rig.

 Sad news about Brian Saffery Cooper, he was a superb sailor in many different kinds of racing boats. 
 
If you are younger than say 50 you've probably never heard of Brian because he goes back a long way. I have a photo taken at Tamesis in 1954 that includes Brian and his father Geoffrey sailing their Merlin Rockets.
 
I believe Brian sailed the British Finn in the 1964 Olympics. Subsequently he and his wife Pam became leading lights in ocean racing and I think it was in 1981 that they sailed in the British team that won the Admirals Cup.

I am over 50 
 
I recall Brian coming to Whitstable with both a Merlin and a Finn  
 
He attended the Whitstable Spring Bank Holiday meeting  in 1966 (51 years ago). It was 3 days of hard slog in sunshine and a strong North Easterly.  John  Oakley dominated the FDs and Brian the Finns  That much I remember of the sailing 
 
The lasting vivid memory of Brian was his  laughter booming around the clubhouse  
 
Richard Davis