Bob Hoare passes away

It is with great sadness that I inform members of the untimely death of Bob Hoare. Bob and Tessa were racing in the Flying 15 Friday series when Bob suffered a severe heart attack last Friday night. Bob was leading the fleet at the time and the best efforts of other competitors, Club members and paramedics who went to his aid were of no avail.

Sailing has always been central to Bob's life. He has been; a champion sailor winning the Merlin Rocket National Championship in 1960, a leading boat builder, he built Rodney Pattisson's gold medal winning Flying Dutchman Superdocious, and a boat chandler who was ever helpful with advise to all his clients. Bob will be remembered as a quiet, unassuming man with a warm and friendly nature who was ever helpful to all who knew him. He was a tenacious competitor with a wonderful eye for wind and a sound knowledge of the tide in the harbour. I never recall Bob calling "starboard," on an offending competitor, he merely chuckled and passed them on the next tack.

Bob will be sadly missed and I feel certain that all members of Parkstone will join me in expressing our condolences to Tessa and the family.

Bob's funeral will be held next Thursday 20 September at 12:30 at Harbour View Burial Ground (BH16 6AN) and afterwards at Parkstone Yacht Club for reminiscences. As you know, Bob was not one for formal attire and Tessa and the family would be happy to see everyone dressed casually.

With Great Sadness

Barry