Author: tombisma

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Rees Martin RIP

It is with great sadness that we report the death of past BISMA Secretary Rees Martin, who died suddenly on Saturday 20th February 2021. Many of you will have known Rees personally and raced with and against him when he owned the 6mR Bear (1989 Pelle Petersen design GBR102). Rees was a proud New Zealander with a huge personality and he will be missed by us all.  

During his time as BISMA Secretary from 2004 to 2010, Rees played an important part in amending the 6mR class rules, resulting in the publication of an updated version in 2007. That year Rees also led the British team organising the 2007 World Championships in Cowes and he was heavily involved supporting the 2014 European Championships in Falmouth.

More recently Rees had enjoyed sailing Alert, his beautifully maintained Tumlaren, which was built in Stockholm in 1935. He also really savoured spending time sailing in Fowey in Cornwall where he spent many holidays with his family and friends. He played a key role in creating the popular Cowes Classics Week Regatta and in his most recent role, he was Vice Chairman of the Association of Yachting Historians.

Outside sailing Rees had extensive connections in the art world from his commercial experience running the specialist international art shipping company Momart in London for many years. He was often to be found holding court in the Chelsea Arts Club and making friends over lunch or dinner. He leaves behind his wife Penelope and son Harry. Our thoughts are with them and all his family and closest friends at this difficult time.