Peter 'Basher' Baines 1952 - 2026
by HRSC and XOD class 20 Jan 00:07 NZDT
Peter Baines racing his XOD © Trevor Pountain
Rory Paton of the XOD Class Association has sent in this tribute
Peter Baines, a much-loved and highly respected sailor and shooter from Hamble, has sadly passed away, leaving behind a sailing and shooting community that will feel his absence deeply. Peter was a familiar and cherished figure on the River Hamble for many decades.
Peter started racing with three generations of the Williams family crewing for Jim Williams in Claire de Lune, his son Ray in Astralita, and his grandson James Eric in his GP14 and then Merlins. James Eric was always asked by his Dad if he was sailing with the "little nipper" as he was so young and thin.
Known for his deep knowledge of sailing, steady seamanship, and unwavering respect for the sea, he earned admiration not only for his skill at sailing dinghies but keelboats, in particular the XOD in which he excelled. Peter would go on to win just about every X Class trophy at some stage including an incredible 5 Captain's Cups, the national championships of the Class held at Cowes Week each year.
Peter would go on to compete at the highest level in sailing including America's Cup campaigns. Whether racing, tuning boats or simply talking boats on the pontoon, Peter embodied the spirit of sailing that defines Hamble. He was a mentor to many younger sailors, always willing to offer calm advice, practical help, or a quiet word of encouragement. Peter helped with the Class Committee representing Hamble as divisional Class Captain, Chairing the Class technical committee and also as Class Official Measurer.
His passion for boats and the water was matched by his warmth, good humour, and forthright nature. For those fortunate enough to sail with him, Peter was a trusted companion whose presence brought confidence and enjoyment. Beyond sailing, Peter was a loyal friend and valued member of the local shooting community. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and the genuine interest he took in others.
A staunch member of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Hamble River Sailing Club, Peter leaves behind a family of friends who will miss him greatly. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the enduring maritime character of Hamble, where his name and memory will long be spoken with respect.
Fair winds and following seas Peter.
Trevor Pountain has liaised with Rupert Smalley, Richard Clampett and Tony Robins to write this obituary
The officers of the Hamble River Sailing Club are sad to report that Peter passed away on Thursday 15th Jan 2026, after a protracted spell in and out of hospital.
His range of sailing activities extended way beyond the Hamble. Peter was part of the Lionheart America's Cup campaign headed up by John Oakley in 1980.
He was one of early crewmembers selected for the British challenger which was based in Hamble. He sailed on the yacht as the starboard side trimmer and also worked for the yacht's mast maker Proctor Masts.
Lionheart was launched and commissioned early in 1979 and during that year she beat the Swedish 12 metre Sverige in two sets of races held in Marstrand, Sweden, after sailing there and back. She also won the 12-metre world championship based at Brighton Marina.
Lionheart was shipped to New York in June 1980 and then towed up to Newport Rhode Island. Peter was the crew member nominated to accompany the boat on the ship. The summer was spent practising and this was when Lionheart's revolutionary bendy mast was revealed to the other competitors and swiftly copied by the Australians. It was during this time that Peter was given the nickname "Basher" as his remedy to fix many things was to use a 2lb hammer!
Lionheart competed in the trials to select the yacht to challenge for the America's cup. She was beaten by France 3 in the selection trials. She in turn was beaten by Australia who went on to meet Dennis Conner's Freedom in the Americas Cup. Freedom won the series 4 to 1.
Peter was also involved in the early stages of Chris Law's Soling campaign for 1984 Olympic Games.
We will miss Peter on the start line for Wednesday evening racing at HRSC and just talking sailing with him in the bar afterwards.
Peter has slipped his moorings and sailed away....