A successful helmsman, boat builder and engineer who was nicknamed ‘The Bodfather’, in honour of the type of boat he was most associated with, has died at the age of 83.
Nicholas 'Nick' Arthur Truman spent his entire life living on the shores of Oulton Broad, Suffolk.
As well as taking great pleasure sailing on Oulton, he also enjoyed surveying the scene from his apartment’s panoramic vantage point.
He became the winner of numerous sailing events both in the UK and abroad and across many different fleets.
But he will be remembered for his success in being the Dragon Class Gold Cup winner in 1974, sailing at Le Havre, France, and winning the Dragon Class Edinburgh Cup in 1981, sailing at Lowestoft.
He was the first Englishman to win both titles.
Paying tribute, his loved ones said: “He was an excellent, instinctive helmsman and just as comfortable sailing at sea as inland.
“He was fiercely competitive on the water and a fiercely loyal friend off.
“He was very proud to have recently received honorary life membership of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club in Lowestoft.”
Mr Truman was a guest of honour last year at the International Dragon Class Edinburgh Cup 75th Anniversary celebration week and was also a member of the International Dragon Class Hall of Fame.
He was widely known in Norfolk and his native Suffolk as a builder of the Broads One Design Class boat, more commonly known as the ‘Brown Boat’ or ‘BOD’.
He was ingrained in the Class and loved building and latterly maintaining them for his various loyal customers and friends.
His meticulous attention to detail was renowned.
Mr Truman died peacefully at his home in Oulton Broad on May 15 and leaves behind his daughters and grandchildren.
A celebration of his life was held at the Waveney Memorial Garden and Crematorium in Beccles on June 7.
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
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