TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Lough Erne Yacht Club (LEYC) member and lifelong J/24 sailing enthusiast, Robin Eagleson, who died suddenly on board his motor yacht on Lough Erne.

Mr. Eagleson (81) passed away on March 5. Although from Richill, Co. Armagh, Mr. Eagleson had adopted Lough Erne as his second home and had many good friends in the Fermanagh area.

Prior to his wife, Lorna's, passing in 2020, the couple were often seen motoring along the lough on their boat, October Dream.

Michael Clarke, Admiral and Historian of LEYC, skipper J/24 Jeriatrix, and former President and Councillor of Honour, J/24 Association of Ireland, paid tribute to Mr. Eagleson, calling him a "valued Lough Erne Yacht Club member".

He continued: "Robin Eagleson has died suddenly on board his motor yacht, October Dream, mere months since the sad loss of his dearly beloved wife, Lorna.

"Condolences to their son, Peter; daughter, Jayne; Robin’s family circle, friends in boating, and in J/24 sailing worldwide."

Mr. Eagleson's busy sailing lifetime included cruising and racing, being an officer in several clubs, being a seagoing and inland sailor on Loughs Neagh and Erne in various boats, including J/24 racing keelboats.

Mr. Clarke added: "Most significant for LEYC was the parts Robin played fostering relationships among our club and others with J/24 fleets, in the J/24 Association of Ireland, of which he was President for a time, and the International J/24 World Council, of which he became Chairman," explaining that J/24s are the world’s largest, most widespread decked international one-design keelboat racing class.

"Robin’s meticulous practicality made key contributions throughout to J/24 sailing, resolving issues, good governance and growth," he added.

First asked to be Irish J/24 Vice-President for international matters, Mr. Eagleson's first World Council attended was in Amsterdam, then others in Europe and North America.

Seven years later, such was his standing that World Council readily agreed that its annual 2006 meeting be in Ireland, and moreover in LEYC clubhouse.

"Robin organised that in his usual efficient detail. More than 20 delegates represented Japan, Australia, Argentina, North America and Europe.

"Robin-led LEYC style became an exemplary model for World Council," said Mr. Clarke, speaking highly of Mr. Eagleson.

Mr. Eagleson took his first J/24, Sheer Jenius, from Lough Neagh to LEYC for the club's first J/24 championship, 16 boats in 1986, which was much praised in an illustrated article by top sailing writer, W.M. Nixon in AFLOAT.

"He sold her here; she became Ternacious. Later, Robin bought Luder – an old, very successful English J/24.

"He bought his first J/24 back, combined the best of the pair in one, renamed it Luder Too, and sold the other painted red, as Luder.

"Meticulously kept and fitted, Robin raced Luder Too in Lough Neagh in Winter, then her distinctive shiny red hull was seen at many J/24 events across Ireland," explained Mr. Clarke, adding that on his retirement, Mr. Eagleson moved to a fine motor yacht, October Dream, which was refurbished to his "characteristically high standards".

"He, Lorna and a little dog contently cruised the Erne and other inland waters, seeing the sights and sampling lough-side culinary attractions, as well they might and well deserved to do."

"No man is a prophet in his own village. Robin and Lorna to many today were a pleasant couple in our Erne 'village', yet for nearly two decades in the Irish and International J/24 world, Robin was a pragmatic prophet.

"Many feel sad and upset [at the news of his passing], and would have wished Robin and Lorna more years to enjoy in October Dream, and with their children and grandchildren. May they rest together in peace," said Mr. Clarke.