Really sorry to be posting this news today but sadly our dad Robert died in hospital this afternoon after a short illness. He was 84.  
 
He always loved the Merlin class and sailed them from the 1950s onwards mainly from clubs on the Thames. In 1963 sailing Helgel (an Adur 7) with our mum in the front, he won Salcombe Week and then finished 3rd at the Championships in Whitstable behind Brian Southcott and Robin Judah. He would often tell us how if he'd only realised how quick they really were that year, they could have won!
 
He was also Chairman of the class twice. His favourite boat was probably Baccarat (2614) and he was never happier than when short tacking against the tide in the estuary at Salcombe with Jeremy Kearns in the front. Once retired, he loved nothing more than catching up with his friends over a pint of Doom Bar whilst regaling them with tales about the good old days.
 
It's all been very sudden and we're still in shock, but we wanted to let you know, because we know how much Merlins and all who sail in them (past and present) meant to him.  
 
Willliam and Jane 
 
 

Dear Robert. I first met him on the water at the Aldenham Owl Silver Tiller event in about 1968, A great MR sailor on sea and river. I was one of those who looked forward to meeting him each year on the terrace at Salcombe YC. I especially enjoyed his backpcking stories. Everything passes.

Sad sad news indeed - at the Falmouth Champs in 1979 I was (in my absence I hasten to add) elected MROA Treasurer - Robert was Chairman, As a callow 22 year old I had never served on any sort of Committee so I was always grateful to Robert for his help, guidance, understanding and (often!) patience. More latterly a shared glass at the various Anniversary events or on the SYC terrace provided the opportunity to catch up and remind ourselves of tales of yesteryear. As Keith says ' everything passes'

Hello all, just to let you know that Dad's funeral will be on Tuesday February 23rd at 5 pm UK time.

It will be completely unattended, apart from his great nephew who will be overseeing.
So pour yourself something appropriate and settle down in front of your computer / tablet /Smart TV! 

If anyone would like to watch a celebration of his life, I will post the link closer to the date.

Thanks again for all your kind words. They cheer myself and Jane up no end.

P. S. Unsurprisingly dad's favourite charity was the RNLI. If anyone would like to make a contribution, here is a link.