It is such sad news to report that Barry Locke-Edmunds died at home in Wales on the 28th of October aged 73. Readers of this blog will know that he crewed on the Atlantic crossings to and back from the Caribbean. Barry helped me prepare Hejira for the adventure and gave me such a lot of invaluable advice and support. I learnt a lot from him and his presence on board was a source of great comfort. On the crossings he was an essential part of the crew and was well liked and respected, not only by the Hejira crew but by others in the ARC+ flotilla many of which he helped with their technical problems.
As crewman Dr. Stephen Williams affectionately put it as he signed off in Rodney Bay St. Lucia:Â âBarry, whose presence on board has been akin to an insurance taken out with Lloydâs of London, iron clad and copper bottomed.â
Barry had been suffering from Cancer and had experienced subsequent complications spending much of this year in hospital. I spoke to him on his release, and he was upbeat, looking forward to getting fit and sailing his yacht to the Scottish Islands next year.
Our thoughts are with his wife Helen as she struggles to come to terms with her loss.
I have added a series of photographs so that those that had the pleasure to spend time with Barry can fondly reminisce .
So sad to hear of Barry’s passing. Many happy memories of boating trips to France, Holland and Cannel Islands with Barry. We also had many wonderful motorcycle trips to Le Manns and down to Spain. He would never go ashore until any mechanical problems on the boat were resolved. Great personality and friend. Our condolences go to Helen on her loss.
Thanks for your message, so many people have contacted me with similar recollections. He was such a popular and universally respected chap, we will all miss him.
Such terribly sad news – knowing he was on board Hejira crossing the Atlantic gave all us following her progress great comfort. His knowledge and ability to fix it seemed anything must have been marvelous to have on board.
A true gentleman and & Rock – all our thoughts with his wife and family
Peter & Petra Morton
A wise skilled man. He will be sorely missed. RIP
Barry’s company on Hejira sailing from the Azores was exceptional, and a great foil for the skipper. I well remember his resolution to the damaged rope-cutter jamming the prop shaft. We had no engine and were faced with the alternative of Nick going over the side in 5000 metres. I was almost disappointed, but indelibly impressed with Barry’s expertise.
I wish I had sailed more with him.
Barry was just so reassuring, kind. champion of the weak ,great protector and educational on our Atlantic crossing I was able to relax.His global ability was outstanding and he was our Heracles on our trip to get the Golden Fleece in St.Lucia .It is so sad he has died but his presence in my memory is timeless and he will always be a divine hero to me
Great photos Nick.