From everyone at Speed Sails and also on behalf of Richard’s family we would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this difficult time. It was a fitting tribute to Richard that so many of his friends were able to attend on Tuesday to say their farewells.

 

While Richard’s legacy will never be forgotten we also recognise the need to look to the future. Speed Sails will now pass on to Richard’s children, Ben and Steph, who are determined to keep it going. Ben in particular has shown a strong desire to follow on what his father started back in 1981.

 

Although he has worked at Speed Sails on and off over the last 6 years Ben is currently taking the time to learn more about every aspect of the business in preparation for taking over full time. During this transition period the day to day running of the business will be handled by Steve Parker (boat works), Andy (sail loft) and Liese Scott (accounts). With a combined experience at Speed Sails approaching 40 years they have all the credentials needed to develop and maintain the business until Ben has enough experience to assume complete control.

 

Once again, thank you to all of our customers for their consideration during this time, we are delighted to say that Speed Sails will continue trading and that the name Estaugh will still have a prominent position in dinghy racing for years to come.

 

We hope you will join us in showing as much support to Ben and Steph as was shown to Richard over the years.

It is with great regret that we have to announce the untimely death of Richard Estaugh on Saturday evening. Richard was one of the best known and most successful dinghy sailors this country has seen and he will be sorely missed. As well as being a keen sailor himself he also set up and ran Speed Sails for over 25 years helping thousands of others within the sport.

 

We have all lost a great friend and our thoughts are especially with his family at this difficult time. Out of respect for Richard’s wishes his family have requested that people don’t send flowers but hope they will consider making a donation to sail4cancer or the RNLI instead. For anyone wishing to attend his funeral, details will be posted on the Speed Sails website as soon as they are available.