Mike Richey dies at 92

mitiempo · #1 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009

Mike Richey died Tuesday at age 92. He was a British sailor and navigator. He bought Jester, a modified folkboat from Blondie Hasler and sailed her in every Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic race after that until 2000. The last 3 races in the second Jester as the first was lost in 1988. A consummate singlehander and navigator, he will be missed. A short biography is here Mike Richey

tdw · #2 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Mike Richey died Tuesday at age 92. He was a British sailor and navigator. He bought Jester, a modified folkboat from Blondie Hasler and sailed her in every Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic race after that until 2000. The last 3 races in the second Jester as the first was lost in 1988. A consummate singlehander and navigator, he will be missed. A short biography is here Mike Richey

I've always admired the likes of Richey. Those that choose to follow the road less travelled. A true character, yet no fool. We need more of the likes of him.

Still and all he lived a long and fruitful life. I sincerely hope he died a contented man, I'd reckon the odds are good.

JomsViking · #3 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009

There's more about his life at http://www.jesterinfo.org/
I've always admired the likes of those types too, and have been playing with the thought of participating in the Jester Challenge for some years, however obligations (or the lack of courage) have stopped me from doing it.
The AZAB (Azores and Back) seems more manageable, though.

Mirari · #4 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009

Michael Richey was truly a legend. His passing is noted on the Bermuda 1-2 web site. Bermuda One-Two

tdw · #5 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009

Jester (both of them) was/is an amazing boat. Not my speed but that is not the point.

I don't remember if this was in BH's time or MR's but there is a lovely story about the skipper of Jester doing a transatlantic and never having to take off his slippers and dressing gown. You have got to love that image...somewhat eccentric Brit crossing the Atlantic in PJs, dressing gown and slippers. Cup of tea at hand, pipe firmly clenched twixt teeth.

Somewhat eccentric yes, but both of them were consumate sailors.

mitiempo · #6 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009

tdw
I remember that story as well. Not sure whether it was Mike or Blondie but Mike was known for taking quite a bit of wine aboard for the trip, not sure about tea though. But then being British I guess he had that as well.

darkstar247 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2009

We lost another great one.fair winds my friend and prays to the family.he lived a large life