John Bates casts off

by Ian Grant on 28 Apr 2005 Sadly, John Bates, known by his best mates as Batesy, has cast his mooring ropes for the final voyage after losing a battle against a brain tumor.

The jovial master mariner, who was friends with all who loved sailing and playing with boats on the open sea, slipped the lines and departed from his much loved Airlie Beach in the pristine mariners paradise of the Whitsunday Islands last week.

He has left a legacy of fond memories with those who had the opportunity to enjoy his presence in ocean racing and just messing about in boats.

His dedication to help others enjoy life and safe boating made him numerous friends across a broad spectrum of personalities including his school mates at Brisbane Boys College, his Sunshine Coast yacht racing friend’s, international yachting millionaires and the cruising gypsies.

They all loved his carefree and fun loving character which always maintained a respect for the sea and for those who loved the aquatic lifestyle

The Sunshine Coast marine environment with healthy activities of surfing and sailing became a magnet to John Bates at early age and it only seemed natural that he would later become one of the most respected qualified skippers associated with the Queensland marine tourism and charter industry.

He will be remembered this weekend when many of his mates will propose the traditional toddy of rum toast in his honour at one of his old sailing haunts of Tin Can Bay as they prepare for the 25th Bay To Bay yacht race hosted by the Hervey Bay Sailing Club.

This will be a fitting gesture for a unique sailor who will be sadly missed by all who he called his boating and sailing mates.

I take this opportunity on their behalf to extend wishes of sincere sympathy to John’s wife Lisa and their family in what is a sad occasion for all who have lost a husband a dad and a great mate.