David Abbott (64-69) died on November 1, 2020 following a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. He was 70. He leaves a wife, Catherine.

At Pangbourne, he was a Cadet Leader in Hesperus, a proficient fencer and the College Librarian in 1968.

His brother Perry Abbott (59-63) writes: “After leaving the Nautical College at the end of its final term in summer 1969, David gained a place at Southampton College of Technology (now Solent University) where he achieved a Diploma in Yacht & Boatyard Management. His first employment, in 1974, was as Chandlery Manager at Westerly Marine Construction in Waterlooville, Hampshire. In 1980 he moved on, when the firm encountered financial troubles, and spent a brief time selling life insurance.  

In late 1981 David joined the Yachting Monthly advertising team, based in London, where he sold space in the South and South West of England regions. During this period, he was closely involved with the Portsmouth Round Table and in due course became branch president. 

In 1998 David was made redundant by the magazine’s owners, IPC. He and his wife moved to Suffolk. There he joined Oyster Marine in Ipswich as Warranty Manager. He was also a long-time member of Pin Mill Sailing Club, on the banks of River Orwell downriver from Ipswich, and went on to become Vice Commodore.