PAUL HEYS DIES AGED 62
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05 Mar 2019
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Paul Heys, co-founder and MD of Key Yachting Ltd has died aged 62
INDUSTRY DATABASE
KEY YATCHING LTD
Paul Heys, co-founder and MD of Hamble-based yacht sales company Key Yachting Ltd, has died at the age of 62.
Paul was on holiday in Martinique with his wife Marie-Claude and came into difficulties while swimming.
Paul was born in Plymouth and trained as a boatbuilder with Marine Projects, moving to the Hamble area in his early twenties.
Over the years Paul sold many brands of yachts, but he is most renowned for fathering the ‘J Boats’ family in the Solent with hundreds of these race yachts now dominating events such as Cowes Week.
Extra mile
David McLeman, long-term owner of various J Boats paid tribute to Paul: “Paul was a wonderful man, sailor and friend,” he said. “Paul introduced so many people into our sport. He was always so generous with his time, always going the extra mile to support both experienced sailors and new owners with their boats.
“His passion for racing led to the development of strong class associations including the J/70 and J/109 classes where I had the pleasure of working closely with Paul. His loss will be felt deeply by the global sailing community.”
Paul’s family and the team at Key Yachting say they have been ‘utterly overwhelmed’ by the significant volume of messages of love and support they have received.
Paul’s legacy is characterised by the continuous stories and anecdotes recounted by everyone who knew him.