A long serving RYA Powerboat Racing official and supporter of the sport...

The Powerboat Racing Department is deeply saddened to learn of the news that Rob Beakhust, a long serving RYA official and supporter of the sport, passed away yesterday.  

 
We have been sadly informed that after deteriorating health over the past months Rob passed away yesterday at his home in Poole.  Rob was a true ambassador of the sport and was a very respected and much loved member of the Offshore Racing Community, who has worked tirelessly for the sport over the decades.  

Rob began offshore racing back in the 70’s in both club, national and international events. Since the 1980’s he has provided safety cover in his own boat for hundreds of events.  

In 1990 he became Chairman of the Offshore Racing Drivers Association a position he held for a decade organising over 30 events for the club in the time. Since the early 90’s Rob has been a vital part in the Technical side of the sport of Powerboat Racing and in 2008 saw him as a vital member of the Round Britain Team that produced the risk assessments and Marathon Racing Rules.  

 
In all the years he’s been involved in the sport he’s put in hours of dedication, always willing to assist the RYA department and committees with technical and safety issues, as well as being called on for enquiry boards and appeal panels when called upon and will be sorely missed personally and professionally by all involved in the sport.  

February 2011 saw Rob awarded the Tony Needell Award at the RYA Awards Ceremony for Services to the Sport.  

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Rob’s family and friends at this sad time.