Royal BVI Yacht Club mourns passing of Founder Member Albie Stewart
Mr Stewart served as Commodore of the RBVIYC from 1994 to 1997 and over the years, also served as Vice-Commodore, Captain of Sailing and committed numerous hours to volunteering.
In the 1960s he was part of a group organising Sunfish regattas in the Virgin Islands and it was the work of this group of enthusiasts that saw the RBVIYC officially formed in 1973.
Dedication to delivering quality racing
“The Royal BVI Yacht Club is deeply saddened to report the passing of Mr Albie Stewart,” the club stated in a press release.
According to the RBVIYC, Mr Stewart was an integral part of the team that set up the BVI Spring Regatta in 1972, working as the Race and Committee Boat Chairman for many years.
“His dedication to delivering quality racing was a major contributor to the success and reputation of the event as a world-class regatta.”
The RBVIYC said Mr Stewart is fondly remembered by the sailing community as “a true gentleman” in every sense who always had a kind word.
A mentor
Current Chairman, Robert Phillips commented, “Albie was a mentor for many years until he moved north with Joyce. He was always there with sage advice for the Yacht Club, the Regatta, and just about all facets of life and business in the BVI, he will be sorely missed.”
Chris Haycraft recalls being Albie’s ‘right-hand-boy’ on the Spring Regatta Committee Boat. Handing over fresh cartridges for the starting shotgun aboard Yellow Bird and collecting the used ones to the point of getting his own cartridge belt for Christmas one year!
The Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online join the Royal BVI Yacht Club in extending condolences to the family and friends of the late Albie Stewart.
11 Responses to “Royal BVI Yacht Club mourns passing of Founder Member Albie Stewart”
Rest In Peace.
There are many caucasians that come to our shores - some for a short time, some for a long time and some stayed. The majority of them are good people and they give tremendously to these islands helping in their development. I have never had an incidence of racism with many many of those that I encountered and if I felt slighted could it be that I was at fault or I misunderstood the situation? The point: we as locals and islanders also need to change and/or improve our thinking/attitudes. Yes, there are those that bluff their way through life - good at selling what they do not have but that is with all races of people. Then too there were those that worked real hard and also helped many BVIslanders and Caribbean people alike.
Let's give thanks for the good we receive and have, especially when the blogs are so full of racism these days and incited by persons that should know better. So, thanks to all regardless of race or Caribbean descent that positively contributed to these islands!!!
May he rest in peace