It was with sadness that we learnt yesterday of the death of Mirror sailor Mark Barrington in Hobart, Tasmania. Mark’s record in competition includes National Champion at Gosford in 2002; 4 times Family Champion and 5 times Veteran Champion. He competed in World Titles in ’95, ’97, ’99 and 2001. He was denied the chance to shine in his own waters when he snapped his Achilles tendon on land at the end of the first day of competition at the Hobart Worlds in 2003. He competed in the Worlds in Albany and completed his last Nationals at his home club, Kingston Beach in 2018. Peter Russell has documented his achievements in the Mirror Book.
Peter added this comment today:
“I first met Mark in Adelaide, he flew past me on a reach, his boat Kathleen barely touching the water!
But my daughter Kate always reminds me of the Christmas in Freemantle when Mark knocked on the door of all the Tasmanian cabins on Christmas day to be told "no sailing today" - he knocked on my door and with a nod of acceptance Kate and I joined Mark for a memorable sail on Christmas Day. Mark ended up second and we finished fourth overall [1999 Nationals] - a good Christmas present - thanks Mark.”
Although he was a fearless competitor it was as mentor to individuals and the class that Mark will be most fondly remembered; he and Norm Deane 2 boat trialling on the Derwent in winter in a bid to find the best combination of rake and tension and sails. And then sharing that information with everyone. Mark travelled to Sydney several times around the turn of the century to coach Sydney crews, then well down the competitive ladder.
His generosity made an enormous difference to my own Mirror story. When my bare GRP hull arrived on a pallet it was Mark’s detailed lists and plans that enabled me to turn it into a sailing dinghy. He patiently answered questions, encouraged and counselled. His directions were clear and unequivocal, but he allowed you to make your own mistakes without comment.
I will miss his black fisherman’s cap. We will all miss his deep knowledge of the Class. Our deepest sympathies go out to Alexia, Laurence and Phillipa and all his family. Vale Mark
Celia May
Peter added this comment today:
“I first met Mark in Adelaide, he flew past me on a reach, his boat Kathleen barely touching the water!
But my daughter Kate always reminds me of the Christmas in Freemantle when Mark knocked on the door of all the Tasmanian cabins on Christmas day to be told "no sailing today" - he knocked on my door and with a nod of acceptance Kate and I joined Mark for a memorable sail on Christmas Day. Mark ended up second and we finished fourth overall [1999 Nationals] - a good Christmas present - thanks Mark.”
Although he was a fearless competitor it was as mentor to individuals and the class that Mark will be most fondly remembered; he and Norm Deane 2 boat trialling on the Derwent in winter in a bid to find the best combination of rake and tension and sails. And then sharing that information with everyone. Mark travelled to Sydney several times around the turn of the century to coach Sydney crews, then well down the competitive ladder.
His generosity made an enormous difference to my own Mirror story. When my bare GRP hull arrived on a pallet it was Mark’s detailed lists and plans that enabled me to turn it into a sailing dinghy. He patiently answered questions, encouraged and counselled. His directions were clear and unequivocal, but he allowed you to make your own mistakes without comment.
I will miss his black fisherman’s cap. We will all miss his deep knowledge of the Class. Our deepest sympathies go out to Alexia, Laurence and Phillipa and all his family. Vale Mark
Celia May
2006 Australian Veteran Mirror Champions, Kamikaze II, Mark Barrington & Hugh Gallagher Lake Burley Griffin (photos: Peter Russell)
