VALE – ANDREW CHARLES KINGSBURY

1928 – 2021

ANDREW KINGSBURY JOINED RFBYC in 1942 about six months before Tony Manford and at the time of his death had been the Club’s longest serving member.

He was born in Malaya, the son of Victor Kingsbury, an engineer, and Effie Richardson. His schooling was mainly at Hale School where he was an excellent student and also excelled as a middle-distance runner and as an oarsman. A close friend and fellow oarsman at school was Frank Slee.

At UWA he again rowed with Frank while studying medical science before having to go to Melbourne to complete his medical degree at Melbourne University. It was while he was there that he rowed with the Melbourne University crew and the Victorian Kings Cup Crew. They finished second behind NSW with the WA Kings Cup crew third, stroked by Frank Slee.

Andrew’s sailing began at the age of 12 in a tin canoe with a bamboo mast and part of a bedsheet for a sail. He may have had a few swims but he was hooked! His uncle David Brisbane (Commodore 1942–1944) suggested he should join the Club as a Junior. He then crewed in Cadet Dinghies with Bob Bennett in Adonis and later with Jim Paton in Hero. Graduating to keel boats he sailed with ‘Skipper’ Bourne in Jolly Roger both on the river and offshore (despite a propensity toward ‘Mal de Mer’).

Tony Manford related a story about a particularly rough Bunbury race he sailed as crew in Haze with Eric Leach and Andrew. Only four boats managed to finish the race and at one stage Eric was in a bunk down below, Tony was on the helm but had one foot on Andrew’s backside to stop him falling overboard as he was throwing up over the side.

After completing his medical degree and returning to Perth he acquired an old ‘Sharpie’ which he rebuilt and raced. This was followed by several years racing as crew on the river and off-shore in keel boats all of which would send the safety conscience of today into a fit.

In 1952 Andrew married Helen Birtwistle with whom he had three children, Jane, Richard and Amanda. All three were introduced to sailing at RFBYC in a Pelican and later Cherubs. Richard still sails a Viking 30 Firebird at the Club. But it was while they were involved in Cherubs that Andrew became Cherub Class delegate to YAWA, serving on the executive and ultimately becoming President (1980 – 1981).

In 1974, after a period in England qualifying as a Gynaecologist he partnered with Fred Grauaug in launching Esprit, a Maurauder 24’ in which he proceeded to terrorise Div 2 at the Club. Ten years later he sold Esprit and purchased his last and best loved yacht, Gwendolyn III, a Viking 30 which he renamed Framar.

About that time cousin Basil Twine and his wife Jenny also purchased a Viking 30 named Longreach so that the number of yachts at the Club qualifying under the old ‘Half Ton’ Rule was building. He and Basil decided the Club needed a club championship so the 30R Fleet (30’ Restricted) was formed to include Petersen 30s, S&S 30s and Custom 30s. The trophy created is the ‘Longreach Keel’ which depicts a representation of a Viking 30 keel.

The marriage to Helen did not last and in 1980 Andrew married Faith Brown with whom he had a daughter Susannah.

As well as being a fine Gynaecologist Andrew was also a keen member of the RANVR in which he served for many years as a Medical Officer both on shore and on ships based in WA. He was heard to mention that his sea sickness only lasted a couple of days before he could enjoy the cruise. I believe he retired with the rank of Commander.

Andrew may not have served the Club as a flag officer but he certainly made a significant contribution to the areas in which he was involved. He was a great competitor.

Until we cross tacks again: Cheers!