Remembering Ken MacLean

By Gerry Hughes

Ex Commodore Ken, sadly passed away on Skye in October.

Ken moved to North Berwick around 1980 and joined East Lothian Yacht Club where he was a very active member, holding various committee positions, becoming Commodore in 2001/2002.

When he joined the Club there was a very strong Skua fleet which had been growing since the 1960’s. Eager to participate Ken, who was a very talented Engineer, built Skua number 51 named “Tystie” and sailed her with much success throughout the Forth from 1984 to 1994, often crewed by his good friend, Malcolm Baker.

After life with his Skua, Ken purchased a Hunter Formula One named Sheer Magic, then moved onto a Trapper 240 named “Tiger Ragg” which he sailed until 2006. Both boats competed regularly at club level and also took part in many an epic Bell Rock Race and various other east coast events.

Ken, who was an Outer Hebrides man in mannerism and habits, retired to Skye on the death of his wife, Wilma. There he enjoyed his small holding and turned his skills to renovating tractors and other farm machinery.

If you were ever on the island Ken was always keen to meet for a chat about ELYC tales and the current state of activities within the club, especially over a couple of beers in a Portree bar.

A good man.