Stan Pearson, the well-known Caribbean yachtsman and owner of Antigua Rigging has died at the age of 66.
Originally from New Zealand and a somewhat private man, his early life was something of an enigma to those that knew him in later life. He first came to notice as a senior crew member on NIRVANA in 1987. Richard Matthews from Oyster had chartered the yacht for the Fastnet and was deeply impressed with the capable New Zealander and his wife “Fliss”. That year an Oyster 68 called THRILLER had been commissioned and Stan and his wife became the Captain and crew, arriving on the yacht in Antigua in 1990. At the time it was one of the larger yachts based there.
It was also about that time I first met Stan – I was introduced to him by his well-known moniker “Stan the Man”. Stan was a mast / rigging expert and was dealing with the compression jacks on MARI-CHA 2 (later BRISTOLIAN). By now Stan had moved ashore and was building his rigging business and reputation. He aligned with FKG the well-known rig company in St Martin and made many contacts and friends in Camden during his frequent association with WAYFARER. There he met Steve Tofield (LYMAN and MORSE) who became a lifelong friend. Stan’s business Antigua Rigging became fully established at the Catamaran Club and he was appointed as the service agent for both Oyster and Nautor Swan as well as becoming the representative of many marine parts suppliers.
During the many sailing events I attended in the Caribbean and Europe through the 90’s Stan was usually present – we sailed together on numerous occasions including BRAVEHEART (Truly Classic 78) when Mark Stevens first became captain.
In 2000 I moved to the Caribbean full time, running a fleet of Swan charter yachts – and due to Stan’s agency connection, he and I worked together closely. He was an active member of the Antigua Yacht Club and through his encouragement and enthusiasm we both served on the various Antigua Race Week committees. Stan was also a hugely enthusiastic organiser (ably assisted by Tommy Patterson) of the NELSON PURSUIT RACE, an engaging re-enactment of Nelson’s pursuit of Admiral Pierre Jean Baptiste Silvestre de Villeneuve. Stan was a loyal supporter of many local events and activities – one of his great gifts was to encourage many others to join in and participate as well.
During his life in Antigua Stan became very respected for his participation in the numerous regattas taking place. He was a class helm and took the wheel on many notable yachts including SAGAMORE, KALIKOBASS, REBECCA and ADELA. His close friendship with “Sparky” Beardall ensured his regular presence and he undoubtedly contributed to the remarkable run of successes on the magnificent ketch REBECCA.
In July 2008 Stan and I were enjoying lunch at Cloggy’s in English Harbour – we were mulling over vague ideas to try to re- introduce a Swan regatta in Antigua (there was one in 1980) As the lunch progressed, we were struck by the paucity of offshore racing taking place in the Caribbean. Encouraged by a fine bottle of Minuty we rang Eddie Warden Owen in London who had just joined the RORC as CEO. Due to Eddie’s overwhelming enthusiasm to start such an event, we immediately looked at plans of how we could create a Caribbean offshore race – starting and ending in Antigua. When Stan had a project he was keen on he was awesome – through his supreme effort and planning the RORC CARIBBEAN 600 was born, the inaugural event taking place in February 2009. Stan will be long remembered for wonderful the course he designed (my contribution being the deletion of a circumnavigation around Les Saintes!) Stan did so much for the race and event – laying marks, even building the start line mast.
One of Stan’s great qualities was his aim for inclusivity. Together with Hugh Bailey he encouraged many local people to participate in yachting, particularly those that worked with him. He was a champion of Antiguan incentive and a strong supporter of CSA which enabled that rating rule to lie alongside other handicap measurement rules. He created the short Nelson Trophy event by his persistence and enthusiasm which then created an additional short series before the RORC Caribbean 600.
More recently, together with Paul Deeth, Stan took on the running of the ailing Superyacht Regatta in Antigua. With a change of date and Stan’s enthusiasm the whole event again came alive. Notably he shared his experiences with other regatta managers. This helped develop better rating systems and fairness, notably working with ORC on the ORCsy (superyacht) rating rules.
Although his health had been ailing, Stan’s passing was sudden and unexpected. He was a sporting / betting man and Richard Matthews (who remained a close friend since they first met 1987) thought it inappropriate that Stan should choose to exit when he was 14 – 0 in debt with bottles of champagne owed. Stan was blessed with many good friends in Antigua – a number of whom were able to be with him in his final period. Appropriately his ashes will be scattered at the Superyacht Challenge in March.
By John Burnie
John Burnie Lived in the Caribbean for 10 years. He Co – Founded the RORC Caribbean 600 with Stan Pearson, the RORC and other members of the Antigua Yacht Club.
