Bernard Hayman: Editor, 1963-1979

Bernard Hayman’s strongly held views on the responsibilities of sailors and his several campaigns for improved standards of both seamanship and yacht design and equipment made him a formidable force in the shaping of the sport of sailing when it was booming in the 60s and 70s.

During WWII, Bernard, a conscientous objector, worked building lifeboats and afterwards joined the designer Robert Clarke as a draughtsman and in the late 1950s started to work on Yachting World under Editor Group Captain Teddy Haylock. He became Editor in 1963 and used his position to considerable effect, campaigning for better standards, serving on many committees and representing the views of yachtsmen at Government level. Bernard is often unfairly remembered for his views against long distance singlehanding and its legality when in fact he worked hard campaigning to prevent legislation creeping into the sport.

He remained Editor until 1979 and in his retirement remained active both in the administration of the sport as well as sailing his series of Barbicans. Bernard was a man you might not agree with at times but a man that you would never forget.

Bernard Hayman died at the end of June aged 82.