Nick Stratton - a tribute
by Anita Stratton 24 Oct 12:00 BST
The draw of the skies was later rekindled when Nick Stratton continued his passion through gliding © Stratton family
"I feel sure he's charming potential customers in the River Styx boatyard as we speak!"
Tributes are being paid to a legendary Rhu yacht broker, following his death at the age of 83. Nick Stratton ran the successful Rhu Marina based boat sales company, Nick Stratton Yachts, for over 30 years.
Nick was born 12.05.42, elder son of Flight Lieutenant Noel Stratton AFC and Nora Stratton, met and married Lucy (nee Hayden-Keatley) during his posting at RAF Bishops court, on Hogmanay in 1966. An unaccompanied posting to RAF Labuan in Borneo was then followed by an extended tour of duty at RAF Seletar in Singapore where their son Miles was born, on Halloween in 1968.
Nick's interest in sailing was sparked during his time in the Royal Air Force, where he won major sailing regattas.
His passion for sailing took him away from the RAF in 1971, when he moved back to his childhood town of Bangor in Northern Ireland with his wife, Lucy and young son, Miles. In 1975, during the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland, the family relocated to Scotland, where he formed Nick Stratton Yachts at Arden Yachts' premises on Helensburgh's East King Street.
He commissioned designer David Thomas to produce a series of highly successful yachts - Intro, Hydro, Bolero, Toledo and Big Bolero. Hydro and Bolero both won the Tomatin Trophy sailing regatta (now known as the Scottish Series) outright with a rare perfect scoreline in 1977, and production of over 120 yachts followed. The firm moved to a new premises at Rhu Marina in 1980, where they became agents for the Sigma range of yachts and built up a solid base for the future brokerage business.
Nick's son, Miles - who learned the art and business of yacht sales while working alongside his father - established Miles Stratton Marine in 2023. Having taken the helm at Nick Stratton Yachts in 2007, Miles is proud to be continuing his father's legacy with the same passion and commitment to excellence:
"In the world of boats, my dad was commonly known as the Oracle", said Miles. "If you don't know, ask the Oracle!
"His passion for his business, sailing, gliding, his family and friends was inspiring. His outlook was always sunny, even in the hardest of times. Nothing was ever a problem because a problem always had a solution. I learnt by osmosis from a great man with boundless energy and zest for life. It was a true privilege."
In 2012, Nick suffered a stroke which affected his speech, memory and balance. He continued to glide, ski and also took up curling until he was 75 years old.
Nick's warmth, charm, kindness and laughter will be remembered by all those who knew him.