TRIBUTES have poured in for an 81-year-old sailor who died in his dinghy at his Weymouth club’s race night.

Portlander Joe Isaacs, was a longstanding and active member of Castle Cove Sailing Club, and his friends said in many ways it was ‘the perfect ending for him'.

After a career in the Senior Service and business, Mr Isaacs moved to the borough about 20 years ago to be an instructor at the Sea Cadets’ boat station.

He joined Castle Cove, where he sailed Lasers and a Solo and he continued to race his Solo on a regular basis in his later years.

Mr Isaacs helped the current Commodore set up the Ladies’ Sailing group in the 1980s, where he helped with the sailing instruction and manned the safety boat on Friday mornings throughout his later life.

Last year, around 80 club members surprised Mr Isaacs with an 80th birthday party at the Old Castle Road headquarters and presented him with a limited edition print of HMS Victorious, an aircraft carrier on which he served as a lieutenant.

Mr Isaacs was an acclaimed athlete during his naval career from 1945 to 1966, running, boxing and playing rugby and his health stayed with him until the end.

He later became a driving instructor and taught many Castle Cove members and their children to pass their test.

Commodore Sara Lloyd said: “It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of Joe’s death whilst sailing his Solo on Wednesday evening.

“His love of sailing and all things nautical has been an inspiration to many of us, both young and old, and his encouragement and patience while instructing has given novice sailors confidence to progress.

“Joe joined Castle Cove in the mid-80s, since when he has worked tirelessly for the club both on and off the water, always willing to lend a hand.

“He was boats chairman for many years, beachmaster at countless meetings and regattas and was involved with ladies sailing since its inception, never missing a Friday morning and always making sure the safety boats were up and running before the ‘ladies’ arrived.”

She added: “Joe will also be remembered for his driving instruction having taught many of our younger members the art of handling a car.

“He also loved music and many of us will remember his accordion playing at one of the Valentine suppers.

“Joe always had stories to tell of his time in the Navy and never missed an opportunity to advise on correct flag procedure.”

Mr Isaacs had three daughters, two of whom live abroad.

His daughter Natalie Isaacs, of Brighton, said: “My father was so proud of his Royal Naval career, which he served from 1945 to 1966.

“Before that he did three years in the Merchant Navy from the age of 14 as a boy seaman.

“He was a very relaxed, genial, happy man, great fun to be with and was always interested in what other people were doing.

“He was a bit of a prankster and had a lot of friends everywhere.”

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