Port Lincoln Yacht Club and the broader Australian offshore community was shocked to learn today that staunch club supporter and legendary delivery skipper Geoff (“Megga”) Bascombe has died, apparently from a heart attack while on a delivery voyage with a Volvo 60 in Indonesian waters.
Little was known of the circumstances. “Port Lincoln is in a state of shock at the news,” said Steve Kemp from Port Lincoln YC who is navigator on Geoff Boettcher' Secret Men's Business 3.5, which Megga was due to deliver to Sydney for the Rolex Sydney-Hobart race. “He rang me last Saturday to talk about the delivery,” Kemp said.
“The ‘phone has been running hot here all day with calls not only from locals but sailing people all over Australia who have met Megga along the way.”
Bascombe, a former Navy clearance diver, has been a great supporter of Lincoln Race Week. This year, as usual, he drove a mark-laying boat. The beach picnic he founded has become the regatta's social highlight. And even now that is run by a team of volunteers it's still known as “Megga's barbecue”.
He was regarded as one of Australia's most reliable delivery skippers, renowned for the meticulous planning he put into every voyage.
We'll miss you big fella. – Bob Ross
