John Wylie

Published 12:15 on 4 Oct 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Wylie this week. We send our heartfelt condolences to Fiona and all his family and friends. More details will follow when funeral arrangements are known.

 John and Fiona have been stalwart members of SYC since the late 1980s and remembered the days when Pete and Audrey Petit (SYC Patrol Boat 3) regularly ran the racing. John recalled they passed on many pieces of good Race Officer advice such as never sending the fleet to 4 if the bottom step is uncovered at the Watch House; and many more valuable tips. In recent years John and Fiona have given so much time running our races; during Regatta one  year whilst the morning Fleet was up the bag I managed to find out how it all started.

John sailed at the Oxford Sailing Club and had met Fiona. For their first date, he asked Fiona if she would like to go for a sail. Whilst on the water in Johns National Twelve a horn went off. Fiona enquired What was that?

Its the start of our Race John Replied! And that was that!

Back in Salcombe John had a penchant for old boats sailing an Osprey, Laser II, Solo 70 and National Twelve.   John and Fiona summarised that they loved sailing at Salcombe because of the view, the racing, and the variety of challenging conditions, both wind and tide. Their favourite course between Gerston and Blackstone (this used to be known as EA, occasionally going to mark F being the Ferryline if the weather was too rough to get back to the club line!)

John certainly passed his love of sailing to his grandchildren.  From little helpers pulling up race flags for Grandpa to venturing afloat.  They have all flourished in the Cadet & Family Fleet.  When not in the Race Box John & Fiona often provided extra Safety Boat cover for the cadets.  Johns firm but fair attitude was shown one year in Regatta when some of the over enthusiastic Cadet Fleet were stretching the Self propulsion rule (No. 42) a little too far! John called for a meeting on Smalls Beach before racing the following morning, and without causing any individuals embarrassment, he refreshed all the young sailors of the main Sailing Rules. This extra Curricula guidance is one of the many ways that John added a special touch to his Race Officering.

 

This summer as Race Officer it is wonderful to know that John had immense pride in seeing his grandchildren Henry, Isla and Freddie Gage once again join in with the happy group of SYC Regatta Cadets and win trophies too.

 We thank John, and remember him fondly,  for being part of the combined sailing legacy of Salcombe Yacht Club over many years.

 

(original para.  written for a previous MastHead article  - Jayne Morris)