Eight Bells - Jack Sudbury, NA Class Historian

I'm sorry to inform you that Jack Sudbury, our Class Historian for North America died shortly before Christmas, 2018. He had still been living at home in Picton. Jack came to the Dragon Class in the early 70s and sailed Argo III for many years, as well as being involved in the Canadian Dragon Class management. From those days he kept a Register of Canadian Dragons. I asked him about 8-10 years ago if he could do the same for the US Dragons. He threw himself into the task with his usual enthusiasm and attention to detail. I expect almost everyone in the current Class has had some contact with Jack over the years - whether about a Measurement Certificate, the provenance of a particular boat or a detailed technical question. Jack had a wide network in the Dragon Class including many friends overseas.

When I asked him once how he got into sailing Dragons he said:

" I was standing on the break wall  of Oakville Harbour as a long narrow varnished boat came in;
 Tall bare chested well tanned man standing at the helm ,
A few bikinis on the foredeck.

 I watched and said to myself  
“I can do that" .

 And did."

I shall personally miss all the help he gave me over the years, but, most of all, I will miss his sense of humour and that little twinkle in his eye.

The family had a small private ceremony, but have planned to hold a memorial in Picton in early February and in Guelph in early June. Details here.