We hear that Frank has quietly passed away early on the morning of Tuesday 02.06.2026 after a battle with cancer.
He ran the Sailing Club for Lothian Outdoor Education Department (LOED) for many years from the pier at Granton Harbour.
The hull of Dannsa na Mara was delivered, by police escort, to the RFYC yard where it was worked on for several years, as many of us will remember. Making her ready and ship shape for a long-term sailing adventure was the goal, with this two-year project turning into five.
Finally, Dannsa na Mara slid quietly out of Granton Harbour in the early summer of 1998, two years after Frank and Teresa married.
Many many adventures followed over the next years. The first being this side of the world: the route taken around Ireland, the west coast of France, Portugal, across the Atlantic, lots of time exploring the Caribbean, an Orinoco adventure, the ABC islands and then on through the Panama Canal.
The Pacific crossing with its numerous islands was the next phase with the Galápagos Islands being a highlight as they were one of the very first yachts allowed to enter. They were incredibly lucky as it was still spectacular and remote and they even met George, the 100-year-old tortoise before he passed away.
Two years were spent exploring and enjoying New Zealand in all its seasons before moving onto Tasmania and then Australia. Teresa still remembers the moment Sydney Harbour Bridge came into view, that incredulous feeling as the reality set in of them actually sailing halfway around the world. Of course, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef was another amazing adventure and memory. They joined the Darwin to Singapore Rally sailing in company through the interesting waters of Indonesia.
After many years sadly Tersaa had to leave Frank and Dannsa na Mara in Singapore but Frank being Frank managed to
continue this journey, completing this circumnavigation, single handedly. Single handed sailing is no joke especially on this 45ft yacht but Frank knew it inside and out so he headed onwards via Thailand, the Indian Ocean, Madagascar, The Cape of Good Hope, The South Atlantic Ocean, St Helena, and onwards to Whitehaven, UK. This amazing undertaking and adventure took him twelve years to complete in total!
The Mediterranean then became his and Dannsa na Mara’s home turf with many years being spent in the Agios Nikolaos area of Crete. His final sailing days were in Almerimar, Spain, which he made his home for many more years. When Frank returned to live permanently in Cumbria, Dannsa na Mara was then sold. Her new Spanish owner has now brought Dannsa na Mara back to her former glory honouring her Scottish history and Frank’s layout. A joy for Frank to see and watch thanks to modern technology.
Frank’s end of life care was in Gosforth, Cumbria where he and his daughter, Wendy managed to spend quality time together enjoying the outdoors, along with the flora and fauna of its walking areas. This is Frank being true to his love and passions to the end.
He never forgot the Forth Corinthians YC and its members with their humour, events and sense of fun. He kept his sense of being part of Granton and its sailing community to the end, always flying the flag with pride.
Frank up the mast of Dannsa na Mara after launching from the FCYC Yard in April 2011
