Farewell to a veteran Victorian yachtsman

Monday, 16 April 2018:

An experienced yachtsman has been remembered as a "true gentleman" of the sport after he drowned during a race in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay.

Max Peters, 74, died after falling overboard when his boat broached in the bay off Brighton on Sunday afternoon, while competing for the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in the 2018 Association Cup.

The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and the Sandringham Yacht Club released a joint statement on Monday, paying tribute to Mr Peters "who was known as a true gentleman of our sport".

He was competing in the annual inter-club Association Cup which is traditionally hosted by the previous winner, with Sandringham Yacht Club leading this year's event.

"Racing was being held on Port Philip in the waters between Brighton and Sandringham with 18 yachts competing from three Clubs around the Bay," the statement said.

"It is understood the boat Top Gun broached whilst sailing downwind which in turn led to Max falling overboard. After being recovered from the water, very sadly Max could not be resuscitated."

Jane Richards posted on Facebook: "Rest in peace Maxie. A legend at our club. Passing doing what you most loved and competing on behalf of Royals. You will be sorely missed."

While Roberto Antonini named him a "great master and commander" on Facebook.

Friend Kae Norman said Mr Peters would be missed by all.

"He is survived by wife Annie, daughter Erin and son Christopher and five grandchildren," she wrote.






AAP