I had a phone call this morning from Spud Rowsell with some sad news.
Tony Lane has passed away.
You probably have to be quite old to remember him. I first remember him at the Poole Championships in 1964, he was sailing a bout called 'Puff the Magic Dragon' with his crew Anthony Evans. I remember he then had a beautiful boat called 'Maritime' which he sailed at Draycote Water SC. I wish I could ask him more because he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of our class and in recent times would pop up on this forum if someone asked about a particular boat, he kept all the old year books and was happy to share all that knowledge.
He was a stalwart of our class through the 60s, 70s and into the 80s I think. He severed on the MROA committee and was class chairman from 1976 t0 1978

Sad news indeed. I first met Tony at Draycote Water SC  - he was sailing 'Myth Isle and had won the Founders Cup race at the Poole Champs. He was a true gentleman with encylopedic knowledge of Merlin Rockets as well as many other topics - he was also quite handy with a glass of scotch! He was a formidable competitor in the light stuff but always felt, when it came to sitting out, that it was a sort of cheating! During my term as Chairman I was indebted to him for his clarity of thinking and guidance - a good man gone

Well said Peter.   I too was a bit stunned by the news of Tony's death.  He was very much a part of my Merlin memories from long ago ( yes I am probably now considered to be 'quite old')    I used to think he was devastating in light winds and strong  tides - that is provided he had not demonstrated his skills with a glass of scotch the previous night.   I too remember him winning the Founders Cup in 1973 In a boat Pat Blake had sold him. 
As Peter says - a good man gone 

I agree with you a all that it's sad that we've lost Tony. He was a clever fellow and fun to be with. I remember a brilliant afternoon when we borrowed one of those hefty wooden racing boats on the Solent and had a great time together. If I remeber correctly those boats don't allow sitting out so Tony was delighted!