Having first sailed having Nelson as his first mate, Tony possessed a wealth of practical sailing experience in all aspects of the art from Antifouling to Yacht Maintenance, (couldn't think of a Z).

As a yacht owner first with Telwin (no prizes for how this name evolved), a venerable 35 foot Westerly Seahawk, and latterly Mandarin, a more modern Benateau 311, Tony was extremely generous in allowing many members of HOEOCA, myself and Don Robertson included, to gain and refresh practical sailing experience. He was an active participant in shared cost cruising which in the late 90’s and much of the noughties would see up to 5 yachts participating in weeks of sailing in company, meeting up for meals on board in the evenings, perhaps 5 or 6 times per annum in addition to all of the rallies.

In addition Tony was active in the Sailability scheme which gave sailing opportunities, in members yachts, to many people with physical handicaps. Perhaps the most notable of these was a lady called Joan, who originated from Tristan Da Cunha, and whose eyesight had deteriorated progressively from childhood to the point of being practically non -existent. She sailed on Telwin several times and with the aid of a sonic compass could steer much better than any of us. She was the person who gave Don Robertson his reputation as a loiterer outside Ladies toilets in all of the marinas around the Solent and beyond!

Over a period of some 20 odd years Don and myself shared many happy and enjoyable sailing experiences with Tony and learned an awful lot of practical matters not covered by any RYA sailing course, including how to clear a fouled prop by careening the boat with the use of a long pontoon and the uphaul to heel the boat over far enough to reach the prop from the dinghy with a knife and a boat hook. Like many experiences with Tony the reason for this involves a long story.

Tony was also extremely generous in allowing us the pleasure of participating in annual boat maintenance, anti-fouling etc, as well as emergency repairs to sails, engines, rigging et al!

Tony was an active participant in Club rallies over many years, and encouraged a willing, if somewhat minimalist participation in fancy dress dinners!

The list of our adventures over many years would fill a book and included being storm bound in Plymouth for several days after a Spring Rally at Newton Ferrars, sailing down the Swinge in thick un-forecast fog (it was clear when we left Alderney) and sitting upright and unharmed on the town quay at Lymington in a wind shadow whilst all about us was chaos with blown out sails and the coastguard was reporting 90 knot gusts at The Needles.

Above all Tony will be remembered as a kind and gentle sailor of the old school, always willing to give practical advice if asked, always willing to help others and blessed with a wry sense of humour. It was an honour and a privilege to know and sail with him.