Richard Westwood passes away
by Rory Staunton 1 Nov 2016 10:43 GMT
10 October 2016
Flying Dutchman sailors across Europe will be saddened by the recent death of Richard Westwood. Richard was a stalwart of the class from the early 1980s to the 1990s, and UK National Champion in 1992.
Richard was a Corinthian of the old school, a real rascal and rogue, who lived to sail his FD across Europe. He was a lecturer at Farnborough Aeronautical College, brilliant at preparing and tweaking this most technical boat, and he shared his knowledge with so many who were new to the class.
Besides sailing a very physical boat, FD helmsmen had to adjust upper and lower shrouds, forestay, jib halyard, and the fore and aft position of the centreboard on each of the seven mile legs, out at sea. Such seamanship and technical know-how, so much a feature of America's Cup racing, are surely missing from current 'ersatz' Olympic racing.
Despite being overcome by Olympic aspirants, Richard enjoyed his sailing and travelling across Europe where he made so many friends on the water and in the bar.
'Third clew' Richard, you had fun and contributed so much.