A doctor who hailed from Newcastle, Jim competed in 25 Sydney Hobart races, commencing in 1986 aboard Peter Rundle’s Newcastle Flyer and other yachts from the Newcastle Lake Macquarie area. In 1992, Jim sailed aboard Graham Gibson’s Iceberg and, from then, continued to sail 21 races in a row.

In 1998 Jim and his wife Mary purchased the Farr One Tonner Aurora and sailed in the next 15 races. Mary, as navigator and radio operator, was always on hand as a back up to the Radio Relay Vessel during the myriad skeds performed over the years. As a team, they were a reliable fixture in the Sydney Hobart Race.

Jim was an absolute gentleman and a fine seaman. He was a founding Member of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, a Past Commodore and Life Member.

The funeral will be held on Friday 28 December and I’m sure many Sydney Hobart regulars will spare a thought for Jim and Mary and will have a quiet little drink for him on arrival.

In lieu of flowers, Mary has requested donations be made to the CYCA’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts – a wonderful, selfless gesture typical of a couple devoted to ocean racing and the camaraderie attached.

By Life Member David Kellett AM