It is with great sadness that the MUSTO Skiff family has lost one of its own in January 2019.
Martin finally lost his courageous battle with cancer aged 35 on Sunday after a two and a half year fight. In that time he managed to cram in a lot of sailing, getting a spin on BAR’s (As they were) foiling AC 45 and even winning a race at the SB20 Europeans as recently as August last year, testament to his fighting spirit until the end, always with a smile and a wise crack.
Martin was a key member of the northern powerhouse of sailors who hit the circuit with great success in the early days of the MUSTO Skiff class. The same GBR Northern Team that included Kev Anderson, Ian Trotter and Ian Turnbull. They arrived at a critical point in the class history when it was gaining momentum and drove the emergence of the class up north alongside the late, great Dave Ovington.
In GBR063 / 143 he was one of the most active sailors in the class, travelling to opens, nationals and international events and becoming one of the most consistent performers on the circuit with results including 3rd at both the Sunderland and Paignton GBR Nationals / Europeans and a 7th in the 2nd Gold Cup at Malcesine.
After leaving the class Martin concentrated on his RYA coaching, mainly covering the Laser 4.7 and Topper fleets with some great success. His own sailing continued in keelboats, working with the British Paralympic Sonar Team, doing bow on Dave Ovi’s Mumm 30, winning the Sonata nationals with his family and then becoming one of the most consistent performers on the European circuit on the SB20’s
Martin leaves behind Sam, his wife, Michael and Esme, his young kids.
On behalf of the MUSTO Skiff Class we would like to send our best wishes to his friends and family at this sad time.
Funeral details:
The Service for Martin Boatman Will take place on Monday the 28th January at Our Blessed Lady’s at 12:00. Then burial at Washington Cemetery at 1:00pm.
No flowers, donations to
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martinboatman35
Below Martin (GBR143) leads the fleet off the start to the cliffs …
