The former Bucklands Beach sailor who died following a freak yachting accident off the Fijian coast last week was an accomplished yachtsman who had circumnavigated the world.
Clive Nothling, 73, lived in Bucklands Beach for many years where he was a member of the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club before gradually moving gradually north to Gulf Harbour and then eventually to Okiato in Russell, Bay of Islands, Nothling’s son Zak told the Times.
Clive Nothling was knocked unconscious when the boom of his boat, the Second Life, hit him late Sunday [September 24], one media report said.
The NZ Herald reported that Nothling was knocked unconscious about 24 hours before help arrived, by which time he was already dead.
The cruise ship Pacific Explorer diverted course to respond to the Second Life’s mayday call about 1am on Monday. The Pacific Explorer winched one person to safety and the Republic of Fiji Navy ship Saveneca saved the other survivor.
Nothling’s son Zak, who grew up in east Auckland and runs his business Renegade Fitness out of East Tamaki, said, “I completed the trip up to Fiji with Dad and his friend Kevin [Harper who was also injured in the incident] earlier this year.
“With 50 years of sailing experience under his belt, having circumnavigated the globe and completed multiple crossings, I am profoundly grateful to have learned how to sail alongside him, and to have shared the trip up to Fiji earlier this year.
“This experience is one I will hold onto forever. Dad lived a full and adventurous life, accomplishing more than he could have ever dreamed of. He was content, especially when on the water, doing what he loved most.
“Our family is immensely thankful for the overwhelming support we have received during this challenging time. A special thanks to the New Zealand High Commission in Suva for going above and beyond to help us bring Dad home.
“After the rescue, ‘Second life’ was scuttled by the Fiji navy. His spirit will continue to live on through the joy, freedom and love of sailing and being on the water he passed on to me.”
