Famous Australian yachtsman passes away

by Di Pearson on 4 Jun 2004 Bernard Lewis, one of Australia's most famous yachtmen, with maxi ocean racers such as Vengeance and Sovereign, passed away on Wednesday morning after a long and debilitating illness.

The Eastern Suburbs identity and Managing Director of the property group, Lewis Land, Bernard and his yachts were at their most prominent during the 1980’s and as one of his many crew members, Tony Cable pointed out, ‘he gave us all a hell of a lot of good times - and was generous in doing so. Gretel, Vengeance, Sovereign. A lot of miles and a lot of people.’

David Kellett, who is in San Diego at present, will write an Obituary and organise a wake on his return to Sydney.

Via email last night, David, who was Bernard's
‘right hand man’, both in business and in relation to the Lewis yachts said, ‘he was a great mate to all of us and like a father to me.’

In the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race alone, Bernard Lewis, one of the more prominent CYCA members, had many victories including 2nd overall in 1980 with Gretel, Line Honours in 1981 with Vengeance and then in 1987 he took the double, winning both Line and Handicap honours with Sovereign.

Bernard Lewis’ funeral will take place today at 2.00pm at Star of the Sea church at Watsons Bay.

Our deepest sympathies go to Toni and family.