Tributes to ‘maverick’ sailor Les Williams
Eight bells have rung for Les Williams, one of sailing’s pioneering mavericks from the 1960s to 1980s, who passed away in late January.
During his Royal Navy days, Les was charged with forming and organising the training programmes at the Joint Services Sailing Centre (JSSC) at Haslar, Gosport.
He first came to fame with his fourth placed finish in the 1968 OSTAR with his 53ft Gallant Spirit of Cutty Sark
– a yacht he later sold to Chay Blyth.
Sir Chay Blyth said: “As a young lieutenant in the Navy, Les was one of the prime movers in starting the Joint Services Sailing Centre (JSSC) in Gosport. Les finished a very creditable fourth in the 1968 Single Handed Transatlantic Race sailing Spirit of Cutty Sark. He competed in the first Whitbread Round the World race skippering the 80ft Maxi Burton Cutter. A young Peter Blake was his No2 on board. The big moment for Les was opening up a new route after the Equator. Instead of going down the side of South America he showed it was possible to sail close hauled through the south-east trade winds which won him the first leg of the race.
Les was unassuming and very happy to stay in the background. As a leader, he always generated great camaraderie on board and crews adored him.”
Racing with Robin Knox-Johnston, they won the 1970 Round Britain and Ireland Race aboard the 71ft monohull Ocean Spirit.
Sir Robin said: “Les Williams and I sailed together over seven years from 1971 to 1978. We won the 1970 two handed Round Britain Race, achieved Line Honours in the first Cape town to Rio Race and then shared skippering Heath’s Condor in the 1977/8 Whitbread Round the World Race. Prior to that he had come fourth in the 1968 OSTAR.
“An agreeable companion, good seaman and excellent sailor, he has left me some very happy memories.”