Once tipping the scales at more than 200kg, “Mega”, as he was known, was as huge in stature as he was in personality. Adelaide yachtsman Geoff Boettcher, who owns and skippers the class-winning Secret Men’s Business, began his friendship with Mega nearly 15 years ago when Mega started delivering his boats. A veteran of more than 20 Sydney to Hobart races, Boettcher said the former navy clearance diver (Navy

SEAL) was universally liked.

“In 1995 we had just built the first Secret Men’s Business. That’s when I met Geoff,”

Boettcher said.

“We needed someone to take the boat from here in Adelaide to Sydney for the race and Mega was the man. He assembled his team and delivered the boat up there.

“We then raced it to the Gold Coast where we again met Mega. He took it up further to Hamilton Island and, once we were done racing it there, he took it all the way back to Adelaide.

“He was one of those guys who had a lot of time for everyone and made a lot of friends along the way,” he said. “He’s probably the greatest character I’ve met.

“In sailing circles he was just a legend of a bloke – in this country and around the world.”

As well as his status as an expert sailor, Mega was regarded as a great teacher and helped countless youngsters with sailing aspirations realise their dreams.

“I know of at least 100 guys who he’s used to help deliver boats who are now racing

in the Gulf St Vincent and who are highly regarded in competitions like the

America’s Cup,” Boettcher said.

“He used to encourage guys who were interested in sailing to deliver the boats with him and teach them the art on the way.

“He was a big man with a huge heart who would put people in their place – he wouldn’t take any nonsense.

“I guess that was his navy background, but it meant people developed the highest respect for him … he’s a guy who I love to be associated with,” Boettcher said.

He is survived by his two children Joanne and Graham. A memorial service for

Mega is expected to be held within the next two weeks.