Sadness in the Sport of Sailing

Sudden deaths involving people doing what they love…

Victoria, Australia: A member of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria at Williamstown has died during a prestigious annual event held in gusty conditions on Port Phillip Bay. Max Peters, aged in his 70s and from Donvale, fell from his Adams 10 class yacht Top Gun when the boat broached while sailing downwind. Seas were reportedly rough on the bay, up to 2.5 metres and winds were gusting well over 30 knots when the accident occurred. Full report.

Weymouth, UK: A 56-year-old man had been carrying out general repairs beneath his own 29ft sailing yacht while it was in storage when it suddenly toppled on to him at Weymouth Sailing Club in Dorset. With the man’s name not yet released, it is understood the boat was undergoing two weeks of maintenance, including minor repairs, at the time of the accident about midday. The boat involved is thought to be a Westerly GK29 and is over 30 years old. Full report.

Update: The deceased, Kevin Keller from Dorset, was a father of five and had bought the boat in January. Full report.