A Tribute to Erling Holmberg
He was pivotal in everything that happened at the Club organizing events, trips to events, work parties, ditch cleaning, peace-keeper and so much more.
He had held positions of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Sprint 15 Captain and lately President.
He was generous, kind, caring, argumentative and in the next breathe forgiving.
He would always go out of his way to help anyone new or old.
Erling was always a Mono hull sailor and looked at catamarans as the work of the devil. But in the latter years Erling, Ian and Tim introduced the first 3 Dart15’s into the Club. The rest is history. We now have one of the largest Fleets in the world. With champions in every event!
With his newfound love of the Sprint15 he became a pivotal member of the Sprint15 Association, attending nearly every race going, he was always first on the scene. To this day we still can’t work out how he could get his boat off the roof of his car, beams in, trampoline on, wires untangled, mast up, all in 15 minutes. Phew.
One of his proudest moments was winning the team event for Shanklin Sailing Club in 2009 with Geoff Howlett and Keith Newnham. What was so good about that you may ask? All our team, were all aged over 60.
Erling had many stories to tell. Which I am sure we will be talking about for years to come.
Erling will be missed by all his family and friends at the Club.
Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and Lead.
Shipmate you stand relieved. We have the watch...
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Chris Read
(Commodore Shanklin Sailing Club)
1st May 2019
