Sailing photographer Tom Gruitt passes away
by Mark Jardine & Gael Pawson 30 May 23:03 NZST
Tom Gruitt crewing in the 2008 Barter Card 12ft Skiff event © Chris Fifield-Smith
Tom Gruitt, photographer, writer, video editor, but most of all, a friend to many, has passed away at the far too young age of 37. He made his mark on the sailing world, and touched everyone who met him with his friendly, unassuming nature, and life wisdom that always seemed beyond his years.
He first joined the Yachts & Yachting team on work experience, where Gael Pawson, then Editor of the magazine, quickly recognised his talents and saw just how naturally he fitted in with the tight-knit team:
"It was at the Dinghy Show, in his mid teens, where he shared his dream of becoming a sailing photographer. He was already taking photos at events, becoming part of Mike Rice's fotoboat collective, and eventually joined us as an editorial assistant."
"He soon became known as LT (Little Tom) as there was already a Tom in the office.
"Dedicated and fair, with a quick mind, an eye for detail and a drive to learn, he rapidly progressed to the role of Picture Editor. He was just 20, something it was easy to forget as he performed his work with a maturity well beyond his years.
"Tom was very practical and logical and seemed to take everything in his stride. He approached his work with enthusiasm, kindness and humanity. He worked hard and grasped every opportunity that came his way. A talented photographer in his own right, he strived for perfection, his sights set on becoming truly great, with no inkling that he'd have so little time to perfect his craft. He was rightly proud to twice be nominated for the Yacht Racing Image Award, but ever humble in his view that he still had a lot to learn.
"Tom always had a wonderful sense of humour and unique take on life, frequently making his colleagues laugh. I remember how he explained quite patiently and with a smile that he really didn't see the point of fiction books or films; they just weren't real. Why would you want to go and see something that was made up? Tom was always real, and his authenticity shone in a way that made him a joy to work with.
"Thanks to Tom, Irish coffee will forever be 'magic coffee'. I can never see, let alone eat a pasty without picturing his face biting into one on his many visits back to Cornwall, nor would I put cream and jam on a scone without thinking about it!"
Tom relished new challenges, and in 2009 he jumped at the offer to complete a transatlantic Clipper Race leg from the Azores to Rio de Janeiro. The way he rose to the challenge of his role as on-board photographer and reporter showed his mindset. As well as participating as a full member of the crew, he submitted daily blogs and photos, and produced a full report on his experience.
Coming from the West Country, Tom wasn't well versed in eating curry before his time with Y&Y, but he was amongst a group who were more than willing to educate him in the different varieties available. His initial experiences were literally an eye-opener, but he was soon proudly telling colleagues how he'd been out for a dhansak, madras or jalfrezi with his mates.
Tom was also a keen sailor himself, and loved chatting about Cherubs, a class which he fell in love with on a trip to the Dinghy Show in 2004, winning the 2005 Nationals as a crew. He also enjoyed racing N12s, B14s and an RS200. Despite his mild and gentle manner, Tom was very determined and very competitive. On one occasion a sailing injury led to a trip to hospital, on being advised to keep his wound dry he responded, "That's not going to happen, I need to race tomorrow."
Tom continued his fotoboat assignments and it could be argued that some of his best shots were at the Fireball World Championship, held in January 2012 at Mandurah, Australia. A glorious combination of wall-to-wall sunshine, great breeze and Tom's natural talent for capturing the moment resulted in some memorable photos which cast the event in its best light.
In Tom's own words: "I am a photographer due to my passion for the elements, the seasons, the weather and the way they can merge together to create once in a lifetime moments," and this was evident in his work.
At the London 2012 Olympics he took on the photography commission for both YachtsandYachting.com and the magazine, producing some stunning shots which captured iconic moments at the event.
"The Olympic Games involved long days on the water, and evenings editing," recalls Gael. "It was a special event, a home Games. We all stayed together in a 'Y&Y house' with my crazy dog Basil. The teamwork between Tom, Andy Rice and Bob Fisher in Weymouth and the rest of the team at their various desks was a privilege to be a part of. I will never forget the image of Tom working late in the press office sporting his Ben Ainslie socks (which Basil loved to steal) and sailing boots after a long day on the water."
Tragically, it was less than two weeks after the Games that Tom had his first seizure, which was to lead to the diagnosis of the brain tumour that would eventually cut his life short. Tom said he'd be in hospital for a couple of days but 'should be able to work over the weekend'. It was typical Tom, an illustration of his complete dedication and how much he loved his work.
A week or so later he sent a similar message: "Just to let you know I had another massive seizure on Friday night followed by four more in a row. I'm in hospital until Thursday I think, but have laptop so will take a little look what's going on when I stop having little fits."
Tom hadn't long passed his driving test, and he was the proud owner of a bright red car. As he seemed to do with every obstacle placed in his way, Tom took the loss of his driving licence in his stride, and over the following 10 years or so he became an expert in public transport, managing to get to all sorts of out-of-the way work assignments.
Gael adds, "One of the things that makes Tom's story so inspiring to me is how he lived his dreams despite the few years he was given in which to pursue them."
Mark Jardine of YachtsandYachting.com was also a good friend of Tom's: "At the International Moth Worlds at Hayling in 2014 Tom was my first choice as photographer and once again he captured some incredible shots as Nathan Outteridge glided his way to the title in the light winds. He'd hired a massive 500mm F2.4 lens for the event, which led to him developing his arm strength considerably, and he was happy to show off his 'guns' after the event.
"When I started to do my own photography at events he was my first port of call. What equipment to buy? How to take proper sailing photos? I was lost in a sea of choices, but Tom summed it up nicely: "Don't worry Mark, whatever you get, the camera will always be better at taking shots than you, so buy second-hand and let others pay out the big money for the new cameras." He was 100% correct and his dry sense of humour meant a comment that could have been construed as rude from anyone else, was just funny."
As his tumour progressed taking photos on the water became harder, so he took up photo editing and shoreside photography with Paul Wyeth at events like Cowes Week, as well as starting to record and edit some of the first videos produced on YachtsandYachting.com and Sail-World.com. Back then the equipment was far more bulky, and many will remember Tom lugging a huge microphone boom around the Dinghy Show, carefully making sure it was never in shot. He took to this new role with the same gusto he did with his photography, and continued to edit videos up until the 2020 Dinghy Show, just before the pandemic, when in-person events ceased for a while.
The Yachts & Yachting team of Tom's era has stayed in regular contact, meeting up in Hamble for an annual Christmas Dinner. Tom was sorely missed recently when he became too ill to attend. Everyone who met Tom has a memory of him. His personality and enthusiasm were infectious. He commanded attention when he spoke, but without ever having the need to be loud in what he said, and left you thinking about his opinions for a long time afterwards.
Tom leaves a huge gap in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues, but will never be forgotten.
Sail on Tom.
If you wish to honour Tom's memory, donations may be made online to The Brain Tumour Charity, an organisation for which Tom completed his own charity bike ride.
In Tom's words: "The Brain Tumour Charity is the largest dedicated brain tumour charity in the UK, funding research into treatment and offering support to those affected by the illness. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 yet it receives less than 2% of all cancer research funding in the UK. The groups they run are extremely useful and supportive and means cancer sufferers can meet up and talk to each other, sharing ideas and ways to cope."