It is with great sadness that we inform you that the Perth Dinghy Sailing Club has lost one of our most memorable Members – Jim Merton. Sadly Jim passed away last night at Bunbury Hospital following complications related to an existing medical condition.

Jim has a long history with the PDSC. Jim spent 15 years sailing dinghy classes on Sydney Harbour before coming to Perth in the early 70s where he sailed Javelins and 14ft Skiffs.

Jim designed the Junior Dinghy (JayDee/JD) He designed the class for our juniors to use as a stepping stone into the senior classes. Jim was awarded Life Membership of the Jay Dee Association in the 1990s.

Jim also designed all his own boats and many others under the name Merton Hulls. Many of these boats were championship winners.

The above photo was taken in 1989 Jim sailing an 14ft Skiff with his son Anthony in San Francisco for the combined Australian - International 14 Worlds.

Jim was still sailing recently as he won his keelboat division in Geographe Bay Race Week - February 2020

Jim will be greatly missed by the sailing community. Our thoughts are with Anne and the Merton family.