Obituary: David Jupp – passionate sailor and former chair of Friends of Hurst Castle

DAVID Jupp, a popular sailor and former chair of the Friends of Hurst Castle, has died aged 77.

Described by friends as an “exceptional man”, David moved to Milford from London in 1988 and joined Keyhaven Yacht Club soon after.

Having been on the water from a young age, he progressed to commodore and helped develop the club’s junior sailing and racing. His friend Colin Dunford said he was a “great ambassador” for the club and “well revered”.

David had many passions: Thames barges, Hurst Castle, Thamesians Rugby Club and vintage cars to name but a few.

Colin, also a member of Keyhaven Yacht Club, told the A&T: “David was a larger-than-life character with deep passions, an encyclopaedic memory and charismatic humour – all in all, a lovely man.”

Born in Twickenham, David’s lifelong love of sailing was sparked by Arthur Ransome’s classic Swallows and Amazons series.

“His parents offered him a reward for passing his 11-plus,” said Colin. “To their surprise, he told them he wanted a boat. He was captivated by those children’s books and he desperately wanted a craft of his own.”

David’s father set about building him a cadet dinghy in his garage, completing it in 1956 when David was 13. It was named after his grandfather’s river cruiser, Enchantress II.

David joined Twickenham Sailing Club with his school friend Mervyn Cook, and never looked back.

“He loved the social life at Twickenham and was renowned for his humour, which he conducted from the bar,” explained Colin.

“Over the years he filled various positions within the club and became commodore, before a life membership was bestowed on him.”

David enjoyed off-shore racing including two Fastnet events and, with Twickenham Yacht Club member Jack Timmis, he realised his dream of sailing the Atlantic.

It was Twickenham club’s regular visits to Keyhaven that ignited David’s interest in the area, and he bought a house in Milford which he called “Jupp Towers”.

“He reflected upon how blessed he was to have moved to Milford and Keyhaven, which had enabled him to indulge his love of sailing and develop many more friendships,” said Colin.

“David will be remembered as a fine orator, making splendid speeches, and for his kindness, intelligence and loud voice!”

After battling many health issues, David died peacefully at Southampton General Hospital. His ashes will be scattered across the River Thames.