Ray Matthews

23 July 2014

President, Trustees, Members of Royal Cape Yacht Club

Family, Friends of Keith and crew of FTI Flyer.

The crew of FTI Flyer thought it would be fitting for a RCYC tribute to Keith and we welcome all this evening to share with Keith’s fellow sailors.

On Monday many wonderful tributes to the many talents Keith possessed, were made.

When Keith Joined RCYC in 2001, after his mishap at the entrance to Hout Bay harbour, we in Class 3 (then Class 2), welcomed an extremely competitive sailor in Keith. From that period, only Russell on Chen and myself on Cabaray are all that is left, the others having passed on or now too old.

The competitive but good humoured banter between the fleet was just terrific, I remember us hoisting the spinnaker upside down, at an Admirals regatta, we embarrassingly got it down in seconds, however not quick enough for Keith to notice, and enlighten the fleet forever thereafter.

I sailed the 2007 Governors Cup to St Helena, with Keith on Vortex an L34, Keith was the Navigator and Communications officer and his technical skill was amazing, all the rest  had to do was to sail the boat and prepare meals. We won our class, sadly however piped by a Muira for the overall win.

On the Island Keith had packed his electric piano and quickly set up a routine, he stayed on the boat while the rest of us encamped at Longwood, hiked, swam and explored the island. This enabled him to entertain the Islanders and competitors at lunch time at the yacht club or water front bar, and in the evenings at the other bars where we hung out, joining and encouraging locals to join him. I am sure the locals still miss him.

Someone on Monday (I think a younger sister) expressed how fortunate Keith , and it seemed as he had a guardian angel getting him out of predicaments on the sea. This I am sure was as a result of his unfailing self confidence. One such occasion for me was when we were coming back from Mossel Bay on FTI Flyer after a Mossel Bay Race which was held the previous week-end. During the race FTI had experienced power problems. Keith took back with us a new /repaired alternator and starter motor and a freshly charged battery.

While Keith assembled the engine the rest of us went shopping for supplies, as is customary with male members of the crew (when released from home)all feel the are gourmet chefs, so the order of the day was smoked mussel and oysters, asparagus, shredded biltong and exotic soups, with plenty of good coastal red wine. Keith request was for tinned Vienna’s, this I understand was normal fare for him, easy to prepare could be eaten hot or cold, no utensils required.

When we left Mossel Bay the engine was running, Keith informed us that alternator belt had broken and the starter had burnt out as it had been incorrectly wired, this meant we would not be able to restart the motor should it stop. This was a bit of a problem as it was a no wind day and we needed to round Cape point by next morning. After our fine dinner Keith advised that he only had diesel for another hour, still no wind. One crew member knew some farmers in Gans Baai so via cell phone, it was arranged that 60 litres of fuel in cans could be collected in Gans Baai harbour.

With Keith perched in the companion way with the South African Almanac reading instructions to me helming, we approached Gans Baai harbour in a rapidly failing light. I recall the almanac was extremely cautioning about foul ground on both sides of the approach and dire consequences about straying from the leading lights. At this stage Keith’s assurance about approaching harbours and the experience he had gained at Hout bay caused much merriment with the crew, but only caused my subdued panic levels to increase. The next manoeuvre required an immediate turn to starboard after passing the harbour lights, picking up a light on a church steeple in the main road and another transit light, the turn was ok!!!!!  But which of the three church steeples to pick!!!

Anyway all ended well, we docked, the diesel loaded and a great motor around Cape Point and late breakfast at RCYC. I wonder if Keith understood why the basic rule taught in all our sailing schools is don’t enter a port after dark if you have not been there before!!!

To Keith’s family especially Ruth; Keith’s contribution to Royal Cape Yacht Club with be remembered for many years, for his pioneering of jazz on the deck our monthly treat, support of development sailors, unwavering enthusiastic support for  the committees especially sailing .

Rest in peace

Ray

Commodore RCYC