In Memoriam - Darren 'Baz' Williams
by Lee Condell 5 Jun 11:37 NZST
RIP Darren Williams © Lee Condell
The yachting industry was shocked and saddened at the untimely passing of identity Darren (Baz) Williams at the age of 59 after a year-long battle with cancer. In many ways Baz was a very private person and flew under the radar for many, but for those who his path did cross he had a real impact as an absolutely superb boat builder, project manager and yachtsman.
Although it was his decision to seek a boatbuilding apprenticeship, it was his Terrey Hills neighbour David Kellett AM who suggested that to better understand the loads and requirements of yachts perhaps he should come sailing with him. Baz served his apprenticeship with Mark Humphery at the then Sirsi Marina on Pittwater, but in the meantime, he took to sailing like a duck to water. As David says, “He was one of those gifted complete naturals. So, he quickly became a regular.”
When the offer came to be involved in the build of Maxi yacht, Sovereign, for developer Bernard Lewis, he jumped at the chance. At the time Sovereign was the biggest maxi in the world at 83 feet, to a design by Dave Pedrick, and it was launched in 1986. Baz became the Sailing Master, and over a three-year program the yacht had phenomenal success, initially in Australia where it won both handicap and line honours in the 1987 Hobart, and then on the international circuit in such events as the Kenwood Cup, Maxi World series and the Fastnet.
On return to Australia in 1988 he established the boat building business, Pacesetter Yachts, with Sue and Tony Doyle in Bilpin on the foothills of the Blue Mountains. They initially built the fleet of Elliott 5.9s that were then widely used at clubs for training, then the 11 metre One-Design’s, Etchells, and also Cavalier Yachts in their latter days.
The next venture was forming a team to build two Davidson 60s, built in Garden Street, Narrabeen before high profile yachtsman Iain Murray AM invited Baz to head up the build team in Nowra in 1998 producing the Sydney Yachts range. Ultimately he became a partner, along with Charles Curran. The business had considerable success with the Sydney 38 in particular, but also the other yachts in the range, the 36, 39CR, 40, 47CR, and 32, which Bazz was actively involved in developing. Sixty-Five 38’s were built, including exports to the US.
Baz sold out his share in Sydney Yachts and moved to Florida in 2008 on the invite of longtime friend Dave Tomlinson, to reintroduce the Santa Cruz yacht brand. They brought a 37-footer to market that was very well received and sold well until the GFC, which saw the demise of so many boat builders at that time.
On his return to Australia, he became involved in insurance assessment, initially with Marineassess, before going out on his own, while still taking on projects to refurbish yachts, which he did to a remarkably high standard.
Baz is survived by his wife Janine and daughter Kara, his brothers Jason, Michael, and Sean, as well as his parents Paul and Margaret. For those who were close to him he was a loyal and generous friend, and he will be very sorely missed.
Australia has lost a truly talented yacht builder. Rest in peace, Baz.
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