Ben Marris Tribute

Very sadly, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival community, wooden boats enthusiasts, and yachtsmen generally, lost a dear friend in Ben, on Saturday.

I first met Ben when he and his family were the custodians of the classic Tasmanian sloop "Elf". He was a friendly and engaging fellow, who was clearly very passionate about wooden boats and his sailing. He was a delight to talk to and little did I know that in the years to come we would become close colleagues at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

When Australian Wooden Boat Festival Inc was formed, the committee was comprised of a number of members of a local Rotary Club. With encouragement from Events Tasmania, committee members were later selected from the community generally. One applicant was Ben, and he was not only selected but asked to be the Chair of the new committee.

Thankfully, he readily accepted, and I was appointed Vice-Chair. Ben chaired the festival in 2003 and again in 2005. Both were very successful festivals, and I think it is fair to say that it was at that time the size of the event started to really grow and prosper. Indeed, it was during his stewardship that we managed to do away with the “gate”, after he negotiated sponsorship with the State Government to support the running of the event.

The success of those festivals was due in large part to Ben’s calm and wise presence and counsel. Whilst always willing to listen and to discuss any matter, once a decision was made, he was firm and resolute in carrying it through. He did so without fuss, and in that delightful and endearing way that so many of us came to know so well.

Prior to joining the AWBF committee, Ben and his family had purchased the beautiful ketch “Saona”. Ben has continued to care for this immaculately kept vessel, and use her regularly, ever since. He undertook some significant voyages, including to Sydney in New South Wales, and clearly enjoyed every minute of it. His yachtsmanship, and seamanship, was exemplary. None of us will ever forget seeing Saona under full sail, with a "bone in her teeth" with Ben at the tiller, looking like part of a living creature totally absorbed in what he was doing.

When I became chair of AWBF, I found Ben continued to be a wise and kind mentor, and of enormous support. He continued on the Board as secretary for many years and provided an enormous contribution to our organisation, and to the various festivals that we held. His insight, intelligence, and complete dedication to AWBF was wonderful.

I am sure that I speak for everybody in saying that we will sorely miss Ben. However, he will never be forgotten.

I would like to extend sympathy, on behalf of the entire AWBF organisation, it’s friends and network, to Ben’s wife Jane, and to his children. Ben, may you forever have fair seas, a kind wind at your back, and a gentle sun on your face.

Thanks old mate.

Steve Knight OAM