I first met Sam in Sydney on that race and we became firm friends. I was able to catch up with him again throughout the 2nd Whitbread, which he raced on ADC Accutrac with Clare Francis.

On his return, Sam decided to pursue a career as a sailmaker, establishing himself in the Caribbean, where he was extremely happy. He returned to the UK when his marriage failed.

He spent time as sales manager for Seaquest in Falmouth before finding his perfect niche as cartographer for Garmin Europe.

Sam was found on the racing circuit on several boats.

He sailed with me on Zeal and Zzing, where he determinedly "graduated" from the bow - "I'm too old to be doing this" - through mainsheet trimmer to navigator.

Anyone who sailed or worked with Sam will miss his sincerity and ebullience.