National 12

General Boards => General National 12 chat => Topic started by: paul turner on 09 Jul 2020, 02:34

Title: Martin Clarke
Post by: paul turner on 09 Jul 2020, 02:34
It is with much sadness that I have to advise of the death on Monday of Martin Clarke of Hykeham SC; he had been ill for several years battling with cancer; he leaves behind wife Tracy, daughter Ellie and son Matt (who often crewed for him). Martin greatly enjoyed his N12 sailing, owning various boats which included a Feeling Foolish, and two China Dolls, namely "China Girl" (which he made a fabulous job of restoring) and "Talisman". Although he and I hadn't sailed against each other for several years we kept in contact, with much dark humour about our respective aliments. I am relieved that I was able to see Martin last week to say our "goodbyes". A really decent, kind, caring man; we will miss him. Paul.
Title: Re: Martin Clarke
Post by: 3513SL on 09 Jul 2020, 05:06
Good Afternoon Paul,


Thanks for sharing this very sad news.


I had a few discussions earlier in the year with Martin when he was buying N3465 from RHYC, which he collected in February.


Thoughts with the family at this time.
Title: Re: Martin Clarke
Post by: John m on 09 Jul 2020, 06:12
Hi
I am very sad hear this.  I have not seen Martin for a few years.  A jolly nice chap to sail against.  His boats were always immaculately presented.  He did a great job on a Paper Dart earlier this year.  He will be missed.
John

Title: Re: Martin Clarke
Post by: Steve S on 11 Jul 2020, 04:16
Paul, Thank you for letting us know. I hadn't seen Martin for a while and last time I spoke to him he was preparing himself for another session of treatment, which he wasn't looking forward to, but as always remained positive that he would beat it. Martin had a real passion for National 12s, not only sailing them, but also rescuing neglected and abandoned boats. I lost count of how many N12s are still on the water rather than consigned to the bonfire. He always did a thorough job stripping them to bare wood and returning them to fantastic condition. Martin continued to do this right through his illness and I always enjoyed hearing about his latest project. Martin will be missed by all who knew him and our thoughts are with Tracy, Ellie and Matt.

Steve
N3531
Title: Re: Martin Clarke
Post by: FuzzyDuck on 13 Jul 2020, 02:23
It is with much sadness I read this post.
I remember the first time I met Martin at Ripon SC and when both our 'Matt's' had had enough he crewed for me in Hot Fuzz and that epic photo was taken which is still on my wall today.
We became firm friends and whilst living at opposite ends of the country we kept in touch. A spare bed at Martin and Tracey's and a good catch up always preferable to a Hotel when on business up North.
I even persuaded him to join us in the Lightning fleet for a while before illness again prevented him sailing. I will treasure that last time to sail together.
Rest in peace my good friend.


Simon

Title: Re: Martin Clarke
Post by: Jacko2708 on 16 Jul 2020, 09:55
So sorry to read this,I had the pleasure of meeting Martin just over 3 years ago I was fortunate to buy China Girl from him.  We stayed friends through social media. Really nice fella, very sorry. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Steve
Title: Re: Martin Clarke
Post by: Chadders on 30 Jul 2020, 12:09
Deeply saddened to read this Martin was a totally nice guy and he will be missed by so  many of us especially within the vintage fleet.  R.I.P.