#CRUISING – Long term captain and Cork harbour yachtsman Philip Scully (55) of Crosshaven has died while on passage from Antigua in the West Indies to the UK it was reported earlier today.
The Owner of Starry Night, the well travelled Oyster 82, has advised of the sudden death on board of the long term captain Philip Scully.
According to reports, the yacht was on its way to the UK from Antigua when Philip started feeling unwell. He and the crew had full time support from Dr Spike Briggs of Medical Support Offshore Limited (MSOS) and advanced medical supplies and equipment on board. Despite this and great efforts from the crew he died in the early hours of 22nd May.
As the sad news broke at Royal Cork Yacht Club senior member Donal McClement (who is cruising in Spain) led tributes to the professional sailor. "He was a consummate professional, always careful and fastidious. Any owner who had him as a skipper had the most reliable and trustworthy guy you could possibly have".
Former Admiral Hugh Mockler spoke about Philip's love of Cork Harbour and Crosshaven in particular. "Philip always took the opportunity to sail back into Crosshaven whenever he got the chance".
The rest of the crew onboard Starry Night are well and the weather conditions are good.
The yacht is now on its way to Bermuda and relevant authorities have been informed.
Philip had connections with Irish sailing as far back as the One Ton Cup in the 1980s. He was also previously skipper of the late Bernie Cahill's Oyster yachts that were based in Schull, West Cork.
Philip Scully. Photo: Bob Bateman