TOPIC:

I am very sad to advise that our dear friend Derek died suddenly early this morning. everyone will already know the huge contribution that he made to the Class and his determination to take part in the Internationals a few weeks ago, he will be sorely missed.
I will be happy to pass his address details to anyone wishing to send a card to his wife and family

Crawford

I knew Derek was ill but I had no idea how badly after seeing him and his family at Abersoch. He made a great contribution to the class over many years and it will be sad not to see him at championships and the Dinghy Show.

Yes, a sad loss...

I chatted with Derek at the Champs, whilst fixing the kicker on the boat he was sailing with Katie.

We discussed the Kingsfield design which is so very dear to him, we talked of a possible rebuild of one from his 'fleet' in Scotland.

A Great character with a wealth of Albacore historical information, that I could chat with for ever.

My thoughts with Katie & her family.

Rgds Mark...

Derek will be sadly missed

I was fortunate enough to have a good chat with him at the Internationals and one cannot do anything but admire his determination and courage.

Our thoughts are with his family

Paul Metcalfe-Smith

Derek had been ill for several years, although that of course doesn't make it any easier when the inevitable happens. Whilst I'm sure he will have had his "moments" at home, to me he always bore his illness with fortitude and an absolute determination to keep calm and carry on.

I first met Derek at the infamous Herne Bay Nationals/Worlds week in 1985. Since then we've met almost every year on our annual pilgrimage to the Albacore Nationals, although most regrettably this year at Abersoch was one of the rare exceptions. His rendition of "Sacrifice" at the Looe karaoke night is indelibly imprinted in my memory.

My thoughts go out to the family and to Katie in particular since I also know her from her many years sailing Champs with him.

Crawford,
Yes please E mail his address, I have been asked for it by others.
Derek was an inspiration to us and, knowing how seriously ill he was we were amazed by his spirit and determination to carry on through it all. It was great that he got one race at Abersoch (and a capsize!). A sad loss of a lovely bloke,
Trevor

We were very sad to learn of Derek's death, the non-sailing members of our trip to Abersoch spent many a while chatting to him and his family on the windier days. Derek gave me a lot of help when I first started sailing Albacores and we will miss seeing him at events in the future.
Best wishes and sympathy to Derek's family
Steve and Wendy

Derek's funeral will at 1.15pm on 29th Aug at Anstruther Parish Church then on to Anstruther Cemetery at 2pm

I will attend and carry our condolences to the family

It will be a very sad day
Crawford

Despite Derek's illness he and his family made the Albacore championships special to sailors and families alike.
We shall remember him and our condolences go to his family.
Roger and Jane