January 17, 2024
1 minute reading time
In Memoriam: Cliff Norbury
The sailing community is mourning the loss of Cliff Norbury who sadly passed away recently aged 93.
Cliff was one of the most famous names in dinghy and keelboat racing in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He sailed Finns, Merlins, Fireflys and Ospreys, but made his name as a champion National 12 helm, one of the largest, most competitive classes in Great Britain at the time. He was a two-time Tempest world champion, British Olympic team manager and a strong advocate for sailors with both the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and World Sailing.
He held a master’s degree in aeronautics and made the switch from the aerospace industry to building aluminium masts with friend Ian Proctor. Proctors was the biggest mast maker in the world for several decades with Cliff as Production Director and later Managing Director.
Cliff later took on voluntary roles with the RYA and World Sailing, including Chairman of the World Sailing Technical Committee and British Olympic Team Manager and time measurer – playing a role in five Olympic Games.
In retirement he bought a Starlight 39 and cruised around Brittany with his family.
He will be sorely missed by everyone at World Sailing, and we send our condolences to his wife June and children Sarah, Alison and Stephen.
Image courtesy of the Norbury family.