It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Edwards, a beloved member of the Sharpie community and the inaugural Australian Secretary of the class, who passed away on 27 August 2024.
Bill was a long-time Sharpie sailor and served as the Australian Secretary of the association from 1968 to 1972. During his tenure, he organised and preserved the association’s history and records, which were previously in disarray. His efforts were instrumental in solidifying the Sharpie class as a formidable presence in Australian sailing, with regularly more than 100 starters in every state across two divisions.
Affectionately known as “Hava Chat,” Bill was not only a skilled sailor – having finished second in the nationals in Melbourne in 1975 on Ostara with Edgar Roe – but also a cherished mate, known for his friendship and camaraderie around the bar after races.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and the Sharpie class in Australia owes him a tremendous debt.
Vale, Bill Edwards.