Remembering Alastair Kingham

It is with sincere and genuine sadness that I have to advise on the passing of one of our members, Alistair Kingham. Alistair had been a HOEOCA member for a number of years and had served as Rear Commodore Cruising for a  couple years. Alistair enjoyed immensely his sailing with the club and supported many of both the Spring and Autumn rallies and made many friends on these outings. 

Alistair was a competent sailor on the water and hugely knowledgeable regarding yacht maintenance after owning his own Westerly on which he completed a circumnavigation of the UK. Outside of HOEOCA Alistair was a key member of the infamous Misty crew, a group of good friends who sailed and maintained White Mistral for David Ardron. As a member of this somewhat motley crew, the stories and memories generated will never be repeated, but the enjoyment was immeasurable. My personal bank of events, photos and stories will stay with me, and hopefully others who sailed with Alistair, for a long time.

Alistair was hugely proud of his Fastnet 2023 participation and called it one of his sailing ambitions to complete. The fact that that years race was declared by RORC both “ brutal” and “the hardest in a generation” made the accomplishment even more meaningful. I remember after completing what the Fastnet 23 crew refer to as “the shift from hell” asking Alistair if we could have an additional 1 hour added to our rest period as it was clear we were near broken, he agreed in a heartbeat and said to take as long as needed. A great crewman. 

For myself and others it will be hugely emotional when we visit The Anchor, The Duke of York, The Folly and The Union to not have our pal Alistair with us commenting enthusiastically on the quality of their Doom Bar offering. 

Alistair was only 61 when he was taken tragically and far too young by an aggressive brain tumour. I am sure many when next in Cowes will raise a glass and toast one of our own, Alistair Kingham.