The passing of one of the greats of WA Sailing - Don Devine
by Perth Dinghy Sailing Club 21 Oct 07:51 BST
Don Devine © Perth Dinghy Sailing Club
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of PDSC Life Member and Past Commodore Don Devine on 11 October 2025. Don was a lifelong member, master craftsman, and an inspirational figure within the sailing community. His remarkable contributions to boat building and sailing have left an indelible mark on Perth Dinghy Sailing Club, the broader Australian sailing community, and beyond.
Don was born in Perth in 1934. His introduction to sailing came at age 15 when he began working at a furniture factory where the foreman was building a fourteen-foot dinghy. Don quickly became the foreman's number one helper and started crewing on a friend's V Jay, sparking what would become a lifelong dedication to sailing and boat building.
In 1949, Don joined Perth Dinghy Sailing Club, sailing a V Jay that he built himself. Over the following years, he built eight V Jays for friends and fellow sailors, many of whom went on to win Club, State, and National titles. During the club's relocation from Barrack Street to its current site, Don was instrumental at one stage, building every boat in the club himself. His commitment and enthusiasm played a vital role in ensuring the club's survival and growth.
Once the club was thriving, Don turned his focus to his own sailing career. His determination saw him overcome early physical challenges to win National, State, and Club Championships in the Fourteen class. His skills as a designer and builder soon set new standards in Australian dinghy sailing.
The classes of boat that Don built include:
Mudlarks, Pelicans, Javelins, Signets, Junior Dinghies, Flying Dutchmen, Gwen 12s, Hornets, Skates, 14ft Dinghies, International 14s and V Jays.
In total, Don built 83 boats, almost all in his "spare" time, for sailors of all ages and abilities. His boats went on to win World, National, State, and Club Championships, leaving an enduring legacy on the water both in Australia and overseas.
Even at the age of 76, Don continued to innovate designing and building a foam sandwich International 14 for the 2010 International 14 Worlds.
Don's most celebrated design was the Comet 3, developed with his brother Bill. These boats, constructed with Don's ultra-lightweight, super-stiff method, achieved international acclaim. Bill sailed his Comet 3 to second place in the Australian Titles before winning the first Open World Championship for the Australian and International Fourteen classes in the USA. This victory turned the international class on its head and began a revolution that ultimately merged the two classes.
Don's designs and building methods spread worldwide, influencing the International 14 Class as we know it today. Sailors in the USA, UK, Japan and beyond eagerly sought his plans and templates, keen to experience the performance of his boats. The Maritime Museum in Fremantle houses the original Comet 3 that won the Open Worlds in Los Angeles a lasting testament to Don's legacy.
Don's impact reaches far beyond the boats he built. His generosity of knowledge, tireless dedication, and deep love for the sport inspired countless sailors over multiple generations. He was a cornerstone of PDSC's history, culture, and success.
We extend our deepest condolences to Don's family, friends, and all who had the privilege to sail boats crafted by his hands. His contribution to sailing will be remembered for generations to come.
Our deepest sympathies to his wife Robyn, son Luke and Karen, daughter Kim, grandson Harry and brother Bill and Lesley and the extended Devine families.
Fair winds, Don. Thank you for everything.