The island’s sailing community was devastated by the loss of one of the sport’s leading lights shortly before Christmas.
In more than three decades of service, Mike McMahon was one of the driving forces behind Douglas Bay Yacht Club, completing two stints as commodore and many years as club secretary.
The modern club owes its current venue and even its name to Mike - he negotiated the move from the creaking Trafalgar Tavern building on the South Quay to the current facilities on the Tongue, and it was through his efforts that the club regained the rights to use its original name - Douglas Bay Yacht Club - that dated back to the 1860s.
Devoting countless hours of his time, he made an immeasurable contribution to almost every aspect of the club and the sport of sailing in the Isle of Man.
As well as a keen racer with his yacht Heatwave, Mike was instrumental in the creation of DBYC’s training section, helping to introduce the sport to many newcomers.
He was a long-standing supporter of the Sailing for the Disabled charity and was also one of the leading figures in the Manx Yachting Association, the sport’s local governing body, where he acted as both chairman and latterly as secretary.
A true gentleman, he was tirelessly committed to the sport he loved and will be greatly missed by the whole sailing community.
DAVE KNEALE