David Muirhead, who died on Wednesday from a debilitating illness at the tragically early age of 72, was a life-long Member of our Club, the third generation of his family to be one, following in the footsteps of his grandfather J C Annear, his parents Alan (Commodore 1972-1977) and Mary (Honorary Secretary 1964-83), and his sister Julia Hopkins (elected 1972). The Club owes so much to them all.

David combined his waterborne interests of sailing and fishing in a remarkable way. He was arguably the only commercial fisherman to ply his trade from the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club - or perhaps from any Royal yacht club – where he landed his catch. He also combined his leisure activities between working boats – he had a share in the Victory – and yacht racing, in Jemalda, which he and his sister Julia had taken over from their parents.
He also found time to practise as a solicitor and was able to play a prominent part in fishing politics, where he put his knowledge, intellect, and charm to good effect. For many years he was Chairman of Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee; Cadgwith, Helford and District Fisherman’s Society; and Helford Marine Conservation South West; and secretary of the Handline Fisherman’s Society. He also found time to be Chairman of the Cornwall Gig Rowing Association. For his contribution to Cornish fishing and conservation, he was awarded an MBE and - what I imagine he would have considered a greater honour - he was made a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd in 2010.
He was also a prominent member of the Cadgwith singers. His base voice would also have been a useful attribute in his rugby days.
A proud Cornishman and rugby footballer, when playing in the Falmouth back row, David gained
seventeen caps for Cornwall between 1970 and 1974. Later, while at law school as a mature student, he was also a useful member of the London Cornish RFC, where he is warmly remembered and whose past players have received news of his death with great sadness. It is recognised in those circles that when he arrived in London, the Cornish selectors could have selected him for more caps had he joined a senior London club and played at a higher level, but he preferred the fellowship and camaraderie of his fellow Cornishmen. That was a mark of the man.

In his law school days, while travelling in a London ‘bus, he spotted in a suburban garden what he soon realised was the first St Mawes One-Design, and was instrumental in returning it to Cornwall, where it is now a permanent exhibit.

A gentle man, is how many have described him.