Richard Estaugh

The world is a much poorer place without Richard and many will miss him more than words can say. He was a great guy a real legend. So friendly and helpful to anyone it didn't matter where they were in the fleet. I still can't believe it's happened and it will take time to sink in. I've read all of the comments and tributes to Rich, I just wish he's reading them himself.

I first met him at a Nationals I'd not been sailing long but he was keen to help me I wasn't sure about settings but he pointed me in the right direction and actually did it himself. He helped me so much and I'll never forget that.

There aren't that many people who come along like Richard he truly was one of the best, both as a sailor and person, awesome on the water but a true gent off the water.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Richard's family friends and all at Speed Sails at this very difficult time.

 "There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea."
"But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be." 

Fair winds Rich you'll be greatly missed and never be forgotton by us all..

Back in the late seventies and eighties and in the days of the large class racing fleets, Brightlingsea Sailing Club was fortunate to have the GP14 as one of these. With up to 30 boats the fleet itself became very active and the club hosted many open and area championships; while individuals competed at area and national levels across the country.

Even now many stories and anecdotes are told and repeated over the odd glass or two. A number of these involve sailors of national reputation as well as the ‘GP characters of the day’, recalling their exploits both on and off the water. While most of these concerned mishaps and self inflicted calamities, memories of Richard’s success and reputation as a sportsman rise above all of these.

Richard came to Brightlingsea on many occasions both in the GP and other classes and was well known by many around the club. While someone with his talent and his success may have grown tired of the constant requests for advice and help, Richard always had time for other people. On land he had a quiet and cheerful disposition which made him easy to approach while at sea it seemed that his crews were the ones to be heard at moments of contention.

To those of us that aspired to sail as fast as him we were doomed to fail but the inspiration that he engendered had an effect on us all. His sailing skills are legend but he will always be remembered as a most genuine, honest and nice guy.

From the GP fleet and all at B.S.C

I was gutted to hear the news from last weekend. Working with Rich and sailing against him over the last few years has been a privilege and he has given me so many great memories.

Will miss him greatly.

One only has to see the names, associations, companies that represent the highest level within the dinghy sailing world to realise what respect was afforded to Richard. The sadness at his early loss is plain and although I have not seen him for years we did sail a bit on a one tonner and had great fun.

Even though we never really met again I always followed his exploits and marvelled at the consistency of performance.  From what I saw of him a true gentleman from a special special place.

Fair winds Richard and may your family celebrate a great life that will be remembered, I am sure that there wil be quite a few trophy's named after you.