A Legendary Aussie designer murdered

[Factor]

This picked up on the MySailing website. Very Very sad news if its true. One of Australia's national sailing treasures.

Australian yacht designer Joe Adams murdered in the Philippines
17 Oct 2012.

Reports have been received from the Philippines that legendary Australian yacht designer Joe Adams has been murdered at his home in Alpa Village in the Benguet province. His body was discovered at 7.30am by his gardener, Jose Pallay. It is believed Adams throat had been cut. Adams, who was born in 1931, made his mark as a designer in the 1970s. His trademark narrow hulls and light displacement meant his yachts were noted for their speed, particularly upwind. He was a prolific designer, responsible for more than 20 different yachts, the most famous of which was Helsal, a 73ft pocket maxi which took line honours in the 1973 Sydney to Hobart. The Adams 10m was another of his famous designs and many of this enduring class can be seen cruising or racing in regattas around Australia and New Zealand.

[VirtualVagabond]

Very sad news.

I owned a Mottle 33 which was the brain child of George Mottle, but he comissioned Joe Adams to design it. In fact I owned 2 over the years. They were centre cockpit 33 ft sloops with no vices. They were reasonable performers too and made dummies like me think we couild actually sail

I also sailed wednesday afternoon races where a number of Adams 10s took names from the Adams Family. I sailed on Wednezday, but there was a Morticia and I think a Fester too.

Australia is a better sailing nation due to the enormous contribution made by Joe Adams.
C'est la Vie

Vic

[Johnathon123]

Aussies don't have the multitude of choices that many overseas ports seem to have for boat designs focusing more on the cruising side of things.

Joe Adams designed some legendary boats for Australians, both racing and cruising. He changed the design world in many ways here in Oz and many of his designs are as fast and comfortable as the day they were launched even after all these years.

Joe, thank for all the boats, may you sail on in peace.

Full details here: High-profile Sydney yacht designer's throat slashed: report

[ozskipper]

Very sad. Having owned and raced a 20 year old Adams 8, I can attest to the wonderful design skills of Joe. His designs are still successful on the race track and the cruising world. A real loss.

[Auzzee]

I owned an Adams 45 Whimoway, then a 55' Aquilla. Joe was a great designer who always made timne to talk about the boats he designed, with those who bought them. Very sad indeed!

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Auzzee

I owned an Adams 45 Whimoway, then a 55' Aquilla. Joe was a great designer who always made timne to talk about the boats he designed, with those who bought them. Very sad indeed!

Very sad indeed… the local media here in the Philippines suspect that it may have been done by someone who owed Joe money.

My friend and neighbor beside Stargazer has a 62 foot Joe Adams design ‘Southerly Change” http://www.pgyc.org/Images/Classifie...rly-change.pdf

It is a fast, well maintained boat, but now getting little use and is for sale…

[Lagoon4us]

I cannot believe this Joe was a gentleman, i built 10 or so of his designs, when my twins were born in '82 Joe sent them teddy bears each.

Joe you inspired me, may you rest in peace.... Frank & Vivien

Adam's 35, 36, 40, and 45's

[Lagoon4us]

Agree and the 'play' on his name was also included in names that owners used.
FANNY ADAMS
ADAMS APPLE
UP AND ADAM
ADAMSKI

RIP Joe you taught me lots. Frank

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

Very sad indeed… the local media here in the Philippines suspect that it may have been done by someone who owed Joe money.

Very sad .

In some parts of the world getting into the debt business (even accidently) is not something to take on lightly. and for any expectation of debt recovery ain't for the feint hearted.

A hard lesson to learn.

[Pelagic]

Hi David....Not to detract from this sad event but some local advice, which I'm sure you know.

In the Philippines, when a foreigner lends someone money, it is safer to view it as a gift. If they cannot pay you back, find a useful way for them to repay you back in deeds

No face is lost and it stays friendly. Also they are usually too shy to ask for a 2nd “loan”

[zeehag]

rip---sad news