Vale Nils Blumann
The passing of Flying Fifteen sailing legend Nils Blumann has been met with many tributes.
Vales:
- Flying Fifteen International Western Australia
- Flying Fifteen International
- Esperance Bay Yacht Club
Flying Fifteen International Western Australia
Vale Nils Blumann
To Penny, Siobhan, Aurelie, Serena and families,
On behalf of FFIWA (and the whole Flying Fifteen sailing community of WA) we are so sorry to hear of Nils’ passing. For all those who sailed with him and against him, he was an extraordinary mentor for the International Flying Fifteen (FF) class and his infectious enthusiasm and encouragement was a terrific spur to many to buy a boat, get involved and share in the fun! His passion for sailing these exciting little boats was legendary, particularly in the strong weather on the waters of Esperance Bay Yacht Club. Prior to and during his time as EBYC Commodore, he built up the FF fleet to be the major class of the Club.
He was a huge character with a naughty twinkle in his eye, and always ready for a laugh! He was always ready to help out, mentor and give advice to help newer members. Extremely competitive even into his eighties, he was a formidable presence on the racecourse, instantly recognisable in his sailing ‘uniform’ of a cream-coloured woollen sweater and hiking pants. No wet weather gear, no life-jacket, no thermals – nothing else on his top half except for his old woollen sweater that in the end, had more holes than wool! Literally! They made them tough in the good ol’ days!
After the first World FF Championships was held on the Swan River in 1979, Nils motivated and encouraged many of us newer members to aim high and believe it was possible to qualify for future FFI World Championships as well. “This is no dress rehearsal! This is the real thing….” he used to say. Sometimes you need that little push to motivate you to pack up your boat and compete overseas in a vastly bigger fleet. Numbers are limited to 80 boats in a FFI World Championship, and one has to qualify – but it is such an exciting and a proud moment to be able to represent your country overseas! One has to experience it to fully understand. And it was always so much fun!! The camaraderie within the fleet is truly special and welcoming to new members globally.
Nils was an extraordinary international ambassador for our Class. During his time as FFI Commodore, he moved heaven and earth to ensure that Esperance Bay Yacht Club hosted the 1999 Flying Fifteen World Championship. Not many international sailors even knew where Esperance was! -And there were many Nay-sayers. Nils pulled every string possible to guarantee that all visiting boats were warmly welcomed, magically shipped from Fremantle to Esperance for free, and entertained royally including a standout party at his farm with (old) Flying Fifteen boats hanging in the trees for decoration and one even chopped in half for the bar and icebox! Everyone enjoyed an outstanding regatta on the sensational waters off the sunny south coast of WA. It is still widely regarded as The Best World Championship Regatta held by the Class globally – ever! And it certainly put Esperance onto the map!
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Sport, the Class and to his fellow FF sailors, Nils received many well-deserved honours. These included the Australian Sailing Medal, the prestigious Uffa Fox Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Flying Fifteen class, the Ron Tough Gold Medal, Life Membership of the State Flying Fifteen Association, Life Membership of Flying Fifteen International Australia, and, of course, Life Membership of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club.
Many of us have Nils to thank for inspiring and encouraging us to sail an International Flying Fifteen. They are sensational boats. The fact that there were 41 Flying Fifteens sailing in the recent State Championships at South of Perth YC who had travelled from Esperance, Geraldton, Port Bouvard along with the local sailors of RFBYC and SoPYC, shows the strength of the Class. I am sure Nils would be very proud of the legacy he leaves behind.
Sail on into the sunset, Nils! We sincerely thank you for everything you did to build up this wonderful Class and fraternity of like-minded sailors, whose camaraderie we all enjoy every weekend!
Rest in Peace
FFIWA
Flying Fifteen International
Vale Nils Blumann
Past FFI Commodore
On behalf of Flying Fifteen International, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Past FFI Commodore, Nils Blumann from Esperance, Western Australia.
Nils’ contribution to the Flying Fifteen Class across every level was immense in terms of commitment, generosity and enthusiasm. It was always delivered with determination, can do optimism and pragmatic know how.
In recognition of Nils’ contributions to the class he was awarded with the FFI Uffa Fox Medal and life membership of FFIA and FFIWA.
Nils’ commitment to the sport of sailing was also recognised with life membership of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club being awarded after decades of service including the role of Club Commodore.
On behalf of the Flying Fifteen Class worldwide, I pass on our condolences to the family with the warmest of wishes and heartfelt thanks.
Personally, knowing Nils for over 40 years, it was an absolute pleasure to have shared many memorable moments both on and off the water. Nils was respected as a competitor but most importantly, he was highly respected as a leader and gentleman in life.
Sail on Nils – forever more.
Dean McAullay
Commodore
FFI
Esperance Bay Yacht Club
Vale Nils Blumann
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of life member and club legend Nils Blumann.
He passed away peacefully, comforted by Penny and his three daughters.
Nils’ contribution to the Esperance Bay Yacht Club cannot be overstated. He was heavily involved from the club’s inception and played a significant role in developing sailing within our community. He devoted countless hours to junior sailing, introducing generations of young sailors to the sport, while also encouraging and mentoring many adults who wanted to take up sailing later in life.
While Nils enjoyed considerable success in offshore keelboat racing, particularly off the Perth coast, and crewed two Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, his greatest passion was the Flying Fifteen class. He won a State Championship and competed in numerous National and World Championships over several decades. Wherever those events were held, Nils’ infectious enthusiasm, humour, and larger-than-life personality ensured he was greeted with genuine affection and considerable fanfare by fellow competitors from around the world—something he thoroughly enjoyed.
One of Nils’ greatest achievements for our club was his instrumental role in bringing the 1999 Flying Fifteen World Championships to Esperance. He was the driving force behind the event and retained the chairmanship of the World Championships, with David Swan serving as his deputy. Together, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, they delivered an outstanding regatta that is still regarded by many international sailors as one of the finest Flying Fifteen World Championships ever conducted.
Nils was never one to shy away from an adventure. On one memorable occasion, he decided to sail a Flying Fifteen from Esperance to Perth with his sixteen-year-old daughter, Siobhan. No one has ever been quite sure why he chose to do it—not even Nils himself. At one stage, while laying the boat over in strong winds off Cape Leeuwin, Nils admitted he had some concerns. Siobhan, however, was far more worried that the Mars Bars might get wet.
Throughout his sailing career and years of service, Nils received many well-deserved honours. These included the Australian Sailing Medal, the prestigious Uffa Fox Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Flying Fifteen class, the Ron Tough Medal, Life Membership of the State Flying Fifteen Association, serving as President of Flying Fifteen International, and, of course, Life Membership of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club.
Our club has always been fortunate to have members willing to give their time and energy. A select few have made truly extraordinary contributions that have shaped the club we enjoy today. Nils Blumann unquestionably belonged to that select group.
More than his achievements, however, Nils will be remembered for his generosity, encouragement and unwavering enthusiasm. He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, whether they were experienced sailors or complete beginners. He gave freely of his time, shared his knowledge without hesitation, and inspired countless people to enjoy the sport that meant so much to him.
Nils loved sailing, he loved the Esperance Bay Yacht Club, and he loved the people who made it such a special place. His influence can still be seen in the strength of our Flying Fifteen fleet, in the sailors he mentored.
On behalf of all members of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club, we extend our sincere condolences to Penny, Siobhan, and the entire Blumann family. We thank them for sharing Nils with us for so many years.
Fair winds and following seas, Nils. Your legacy will continue to sail with us.
Rest in peace.
EBYC