Please select your home edition
Edition
PredictWind - Routing 728x90 TOP

Yacht designer Don Pye passes away

by Richard Matthews 24 Aug 2019 07:44 PDT
Don Pye passed away, following a heart attack, on 20th August 2019 - aged 93 © Holman & Pye

Eight Bells - Designer Don Pye

The flag atop the West Mersea Yacht Club was at half-mast this week noting the passing of yacht designer Don Pye who, following a heart attack, passed away on 20th August aged 93.

In partnership with Kim Holman in 1960, and later with David Cooper, the firm of Holman & Pye was respected throughout the sailing word for designing practical, sea-kindly yachts with lovely lines and excellent performance.

In addition to one-off custom yachts, Holman & Pye designed for several production yards including Bowman, Wauquiez, Seamaster, Hustler and Oyster.

The Oyster-UFO 34 design won its class in the infamous 1979 Fastnet race. As proof of their suitability for blue water ocean passage making, six of the eighteen yachts taking part in the 2018 Golden Globe race around the world were Holman & Pye designed Rustler 36's, which went on to finish first, second and third.

Some 5,000 yachts from the Holman & Pye office are sailing the world and, thanks to Don Pye's creativity, and their renowned longevity, these lovely yachts will be giving pleasure to their owners and crews for many generations.

Related Articles

Stuart Jardine passes away
One of the best known and most highly respected sailors in the UK One of the best known and most highly respected sailors in the UK has passed away at the age of 90. Lt Col. Stuart Jardine OBE won championships over a remarkable eight decades, representing Great Britain at both the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games. Posted on 12 Nov 2023 Robin Allingham Aisher OBE | 1934-2023
Olympic medallist, Admiral's Cup winner, and past Royal Ocean Racing Club Commodore passes away Robin Aisher represented Great Britain at three Summer Olympic Games. He is one of the most successful sailors for the Admiral's Cup, winning on multiple occasions. Posted on 30 Jun 2023 Buddy Melges Passes Away at 93
One of the most accomplished and revered sailors in American history Harry Clemons "Buddy" Melges Jr., considered to be one of the greatest competitive sailors in the sport of sailing, passed away on May 18, 2023. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most accomplished and revered sailors in American history. Posted on 18 May 2023 Vale Syd Fischer AM OBE
Yachting legend Syd Fischer passed away on Thursday afternoon, he was 95 Yachting legend Syd Fischer passed away on Thursday afternoon, he was 95. Posted on 27 Feb 2023 Offshore great Syd Fischer dies at 95
One of Australia's great sailors, Syd Fischer AM OBE, has died at the age of 95yrs. One of Australia's great sailors, Syd Fischer AM OBE, has died at the age of 95yrs. Posted on 25 Feb 2023 Multihull design pioneer Derek Kelsall passes away
The sailing world has lost a pioneering multihull designer and boat builder Derek Kelsall, the man who during his life created the modern day trimaran, who famously introduced Eric Tabarly to multihulls and who was one of the first to champion foam sandwich construction, died in hospital in Thames, New Zealand, aged 89. Posted on 2 Jan 2023 Derek Kelsall dies in New Zealand
Noted multihull designer, composite construction pioneer, and sailor, Derek Kelsall dies in NZ Derek Kelsall, the British-born pioneer in composite construction, offshore multihull design, and a noted solo and two-handed offshore competitor, has died in New Zealand Posted on 1 Jan 2023 Jeremy Rogers MBE: 1937 - 2022
One of Britain's most successful yachtsmen passes away Jeremy Rogers, one of Britain's most successful yachtsmen, made a life out of sailing from an early age, from making model boats as a small child before making his mark in yacht racing. He was as skilled with his hands as he was at the helm of a boat. Posted on 18 Oct 2022 Sam Richmond passes away
Remembrance Procession held at Antigua After being injured in training before the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, Sam Richmond has sadly passed away. Everyone involved with the regatta joins the worldwide sailing community in paying respects to a much-loved and highly respected sailor. Posted on 14 Mar 2022 Laser designer, Bruce Kirby dies at 92 yrs
Bruce Kirby (92), best known as the designer of the Laser, now known as the ILCA, has passed away Bruce Kirby, best known as the designer of the Laser, now known as the ILCA, has passed away at the age of 92yrs. He was a three times Olympian in the Finn class, accomplished, self-taught designer from dinghies to 12 Metres, and a sailing journalist. Posted on 20 Jul 2021
37th AC Store 2024 - 728x90 BOTTOMETNZ Store 2024 728x90 BOTTOMC-Tech 2020 Battens 2 728x90 BOTTOM
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2024 Sail-World Sail-World USA and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy