Hong Kong sailing is mourning the death of Sailability co-founder Mike Rawbone, whose dedication and efforts, along with wife Kay, gave thousands of underprivileged and disabled people hope and courage through sailing. He was 75.
Rawbone died on Monday, having launched the Hong Kong branch of the global sailing charity Sailability in 2009 at the Hebe Haven Yacht Club in Sai Kung. He leaves behind his wife, Kay, three children and seven grandchildren.
“The Scallywag team were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Rawbone in Hong Kong on Monday. Mike was instrumental in setting up the SHK Scallywag Foundation & his own charity Sailability HK founded 10 years ago with his beloved wife Kay. RIP,” tweeted Sun Hung Kai Scallywag, the Hong Kong racing team that sponsors part of Rawbone’s programme.
Almost 3,000 youngsters and adults who are poor, physically or intellectually disabled, or part of minority groups, have benefited from Sailability Hong Kong’s activities. They are given the chance to learn sailing through a structured programme, with many going on to develop their skills on more advanced boats.
Rawbone’s first job in Hong Kong was to recruit workers to build the Tsing Ma Bridge. After the project was complete, he was sent to England “kicking and screaming” but was able to return to the city in 2003.
Kay Rawbone has played an integral part in helping intellectually disabled people with the programme. Friends say she is devastated but has vowed to carry on the work that she and Mike started in 2009.
“The charity that started with just two boats donated by the co-founders now has 39 boats and has competed in championships bringing international success to Hong Kong,” Sailability Hong Kong said in a Facebook post. “Thousands of people of all ages and abilities have taken to the water often for the first time, due to Mike’s leadership, vision and no small amount of hard work.
“Many of us have enjoyed the warm convivial friendship which is such a strong part of Sailability Hong Kong and we owe a debt of gratitude to Mike for welcoming us so heartily. He was the boss of Sailability for sure, and at the same time a friend to so many. The work of Sailability goes on – making Sailing accessible to all.”
In an obituary, World Sailing described Rawbone as “a hugely important figure in Para sailing and a pioneer of the sport in Hong Kong”.
It added: “Thousands of people with a range of disabilities – deaf, blind, spinal injuries, brain injuries, muscular dystrophy and intellectual impairment groups – benefited from participating in Sailability Hong Kong, and the positive impact both Mike and Kay had on Para sailing in the country cannot be underestimated.
“Mike was passionate and hard-working, never allowing any obstacles to get in his way of sharing his love of the sport, and was a real people person; always a pleasure to be around.
“Mike will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in the people who benefited from his passion for sailing and his determination to make it accessible to everyone. World Sailing extends its condolences and sympathy to Mike’s family and friends.”
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