Tim Magennis RIP

28th November 2024

WM Nixon

The Colin Archer rescue ketch Sandefjord as she was when the late Tim Magennis sailed round the world aboard her in 1965-1967

Afloat.ie regrets to record the death of Tim Magennis of Dun Laoghaire, believed to be the only person in Ireland today to have sailed round the world under gaff rig. This feat was achieved from Durban in South Africa between 1965 and 1967, as a crewman aboard the Cullen brothers' Colin Archer-created Norwegian rescue ketch Sandefjord.

He retained his infectious enthusiasm for the maritime world in general and traditonal gaff rig in particular through a long and productive life, his interest sparked by boyhood in the fishing port of Ardglass in County Down. After an adventurous early life in several parts of the world during which journalism played a significant role in his career, he settled in Dublin where his special talents were recruited for international work by Bord Failte.

"A sparkling personality" - Tim Magennis aboard Sandefjord during the world cruise.

Tim Magennis aboard the restored Sandefjord in Dun Laoghaire as he approached his 90th birthday. Photo: W M Nixon

With retirement, he acquired the Herbert Boyd-designed Malahide-built 23ft gaff sloop Marguerite of 1896 vintage, and restored her to full sailing trim, while filling significant positions in the Old Gaffers Association. He was President of the Dublin Bay branch in 2013 for the OGA's Golden Jubilee festivities, and made the fleet visit to Poolbeg Y&BC and Dublin Port a real highlight of the Association's celebrations.

As he approached his 90th birthday, he took particular pleasure in the visit to Dun Laoghaire of Sandefjord after she had been fully restored to demanding Norwegian standards. His many friends and family at home
and abroad will have the fondest memories of a remarkable friend and seafarer whose sparkling personality was under-pinned by a quiet but deeply-felt spirituality.

WMN

Utterly authentic. Sandefjord in Dun Laoghaire marina, restored as a classic Colin Archer Norwegian rescue ketch. Photo: W M Nixon

Published in Dublin Bay Old Gaffers, In Memoriam

Published in Dublin Bay Old Gaffers

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About The Author

WM Nixon

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William M Nixon has been writing about sailing in Ireland for many years in print and online, and his work has appeared internationally in magazines and books. His own experience ranges from club sailing to international offshore events, and he has cruised extensively under sail, often in his own boats which have ranged in size from an 11ft dinghy to a 35ft cruiser-racer. He has also been involved in the administration of several sailing organisations.

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