Richard Estaugh Fund Launched at Chase SC

Chase Sailing Club, the home club of multi Dinghy Champion Richard Estaugh, was delighted to be invited to host the launch of The Richard Estaugh Fund during their GP14 Open Meeting on Sunday 5 June.

Estaugh Fund launch
Launch of the Estaugh Fund: Richard’s family with Chase SC Commodore Steve Turner, Frank Nickless, and Duncan Greenhalgh GP14 President. Photograph courtesy of Michelle Evans.

Richard’s family including his mother, son and daughter with grandchildren came to hear GP14 President Duncan Greenhalgh describe the purpose of the fund. It will support individuals with sailing projects, giving bursaries paid out from the fund based on the proceeds of GP14 14000 which Richard donated to the Association before he sadly died. In addition the fund has received donations given in his memory. The Association appreciates the help, which will keep the fund perpetually viable.

Frank Nickless spoke about Richard as a lifelong friend and racing competitor, recounting many anecdotes which described the character of Richard as generous and always willing to help until he stepped in a boat and the start gun was sounded. Frank listed some of his Championship wins; the list spoke for itself with a record number of World and National Championship wins in several classes of dinghies. In addition he was a multiple winner of the Endeavour Trophy – an invitation event for Champions. Richard certainly was a Champion of Champions.

restaugh and hgill 1
Richard Estaugh presenting GP14 14000 to Hugh Gill, then President of GP14 Association

On behalf of Chase SC Club, their Commodore Steve Turner presented a donation towards the fund, saying they were proud to be associated with Richard and the fund; he also said the club was privileged to have had Richard as a member and rarely a racing day goes by without reference to Richard.

Ben Estaugh replied on behalf of the family, thanking all that was being done by the GP14 Association to remember his father in this way. He said it meant so much to his family and that some did not realise the extent of his achievements – which Richard himself would have been too modest to mention. Sheila Estaugh (Richard’s mother) was presented with a basket of flowers to mark the opening of the fund to applicants which it is hoped would soon start to arrive so that the good work done by Richard during his life could continue.

Further details and application forms can be obtained from the office or myself.

Duncan Greenhalgh
(GP14 Association President)