It is with great sadness and shock we learned of the sudden death of Matt Day on 5th August, a great mate, sailor and father – Matt was only 42 and died of natural causes at home.
Matt lived in Sydney where during his younger years thrived with his friends, the likes of Bradshaw Kellett, Mark Robinson and Chris Hosking at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia – and I enjoyed their fun company, watching them mature into really good sailors and to grow up to become responsible adults.
Matty had a heap of friends at the CYCA, and in sailing in general. He had a friendly easy-going nature and was comfortable around and enjoyed the company of people of all ages – one of those people who makes you smile when you think about him.
So many tributes have poured in via Facebook. We share some with you below.
From Bradshaw Kellett: As well as being one of my oldest mates, best man at my wedding, my devil’s advocate, he was also like a brother to me, but we lost him way too soon. RIP Matty, have fun with your Mum up there, where ever that may be, Schoolboy.
Stan Eldershaw: First met Matty Day in Hawaii in 2000. From the very beginning I was struck by his ability to immaculately prepare a racing yacht. We became friends over the course of many subsequent campaigns. An all-round great guy – friendly, knowledgeable, kind and empathetic. I will miss him very much.
Bruce Hollis: What a terrible shock. Matt was a standout in a wonderful generation of kids and sailors in those Sabot and Flying 11 days.
Bret Perry: My time in Sydney is full of great memories. Great sailing, great times. Much of it with the lads….Matt Day, Bradshaw Kellett, Mike Sabey, the list goes on….like all of us, the shock to hear this news is very sobering. Matt please excuse my absence from your day….RIP ole mate. Pretty sure they have go karts where your heading…. drive them hard. Cheers ole mate.
Matt’s funeral will be held at St Luke's in Concord on the 20th of August at 11am. The wake will be held at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia at 1pm.
Our deepest sympathies go to Matt’s family.
Di Pearson
