It was a chance meeting in Porto Heli that first brought the Beardsalls & Drewitt’s  together and this was the start of many friendships that have lasted over a decade.  We collectively shared the common passion of sailing and supporting our children Henry, Lizzie & Isi in the Laser fleet.  We often found ourselves travelling together to sailing events in Belgium, Poland, Greece and who could forget WPNSA and Hotel Aqua!  It wasn’t only the sailors that formed strong friendships during this time.  I have so many special memories of time spent with Alastair both on & off the water.  We also shared a common interest in all things engineering, having worked in the energy business during our careers.  A passion for engineering and all things technical, that Alastair has clearly passed on to Henry and Eddie.  Alastair was always generous with his time and support for the Laser class and its sailors.  Never happier than when he was in the class measuring tent or out on the RIBs, often having towed them halfway across Europe.  I do recall a very low tide in Nieuwpoort Belgium and the fleet returning ashore to a particularly muddy slipway, once again Alastair was first to roll up his sleeves to help recover the boats.  It was fair to say that not all parents were quite so committed to enduring that mud-bath.  For Alastair, family always came first, and his devotion and love were evident in every way.  Fair winds and safe passage to one of a kind, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten by all those that had the privilege to call you, their friend.