I first met Steve Crewes in 2001 when I visited Scarborough Park to see what this model boat racing was all about.  

He was sitting on the park bench near the launching site.  On the day there was mainly EC12s racing and I was asking Steve about how they worked and costs etc.

I went back the next week and IOMs were racing.  Again Steve was there and talking to Brian Hard.  I asked Steve what class should I buy, EC12 or IOM.  He said if you like to race get an IOM, which I did.

Steve was very keen on Marbleheads and raced them at Drummoyne SC.  He took an interest in all classes and was very helpful to rank novices like I was in the beginning.  

A couple of years later many events were held at KBSC and Steve was often there watching.  He just loved RC yachting and even after he had his stroke would still come down to watch the ranking events.

Steve was a real character and did a great deal to promote our sport.  He will be sadly missed.

My condolences to his friends and family.

Owen Jarvis 

Former Secretary/Treasurer  NSWRYA

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I wanted to pass on some history of our RC Sailing.

It is sad to learn that Steve Crewes, #224, has decided to cease driving and as a result we may not see him at the Club on a regular basis. His son will drive him to visit us when able.

Steve has had a long-term involvement in RC sailing, going way back to the early days of the sport.

His early classes started with Marblehead and IOM. The DF65 and DF95 followed and for the last eighteen or so years he has chosen to sail the RC Laser with us at Dobroyd Aquatic Club. Steve is a very competitive sailor and brought his early successes to Dobroyd, still winning the occasional race and scoring well on race days.

Steve was always very helpful with his advice to new Sailors, and keen to pass on his knowledge and wealth of experience. Many Members have benefitted and our Fleet standard is proof of this.

His entertaining way of calling “Starboard” or “please don’t stand in front of me” was very much part of our race days. We miss him already.

Steve has published two coffee table style books and possibly has another on the way. He has offered copies of these as prizes for Medal winners in past Championships and for that we thank him.

Sydney's model racing skiffs : a history / by Stephen Crewes

Steve’s mobility has been a challenge for him lately but that certainly hasn’t stopped him from coming along to race. Recently he has joined us to enjoy our ambience and to offer his broad advice to all our newer Sailors.

I’m sure we all wish him well and look forward to him visiting us soon.

 Regards,

Brian Chapman.

Dobroyd Aquatic Club, RC Lasers.