It was a very sad day for the Middle Harbour Yacht Club and Middle Harbour 16ft Skiff Club family and sailing fraternity in general which occurred on Friday last week. Matthew Gunton passed away leaving his loving wife Kate and four children to mourn the loss of their husband and father.

Matt has been a Sailing Member of both clubs since the 1970’s when as a teenager he sailed Cherubs at MHYC and then Sixteen Foot Skiffs. Matt’s involvement with the MH16ft Skiff Club ranged from being the founder of the modern day Junior Division to many years as President. Matt’s dedication and passion in establishing the MH16ftSC Junior Division sees this division extremely well established to this day.

Matt was co-owner of the Adams Ten “Rock Solid” with his brother Andy and good friend Mitch Miller. It was a poignant day last Saturday as this day Matt was supposed to be crewing on “Rock Solid” when it secured the Adams Ten Division “Gun Boat Trophy”. He was certainly keeping an eye on us that day!

It is with disbelief that someone apparently so healthy, so loved, so generous and so admired is no longer amongst us to make us smile. Matt will forever remain in our memories and our hearts…..

Funeral to be held Thursday 4th April at Saint Clements Church Mosman at 2pm with a wake following at MH16ftSC.

The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to The Matthew Gunton Memorial Junior Sailing Fund, BSB 112-879, Account No. 457993364, c/o St George Bank, in memory of Matt's support and love of the junior sailors of Middle Harbour 16' Skiff Club.

- Mitch Miller