Crossing the Bar - Laurence Roberts

Former Welsh Yachting Association chair Bob Lowe shares a tribute to Randolph Laurence Roberts

28 May 25

Crossing the Bar

Using this metaphor, beloved of many sailors, Randolph Laurence Roberts passed over the Bar on 13 April 2025 aged 91. A public memorial service was held on 15 May at St. Mary and St Nicholas’ Church, Beaumaris.

Laurence was a long-standing and stalwart member of the Welsh Yachting Association from its earliest days, as a member of its Executive Committee, Chairman and Company Secretary.

He played a leading role in the incorporation as WYA Ltd. in 1994 and its subsequent name change to RYA Cymru Wales in 2014, acting throughout as Company Secretary. He contributed to its successful development and management.

His skills in negotiating the grant from the Sports Council for Wales helped secure the WYA’s financial stability. He provided wise counsel and leadership in addressing several challenges the Association faced in the past.

As WYA Chairman he was a member of RYA Council, representing Wales at the National Governing Body. He much enjoyed his trips to the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge and conversations with the President, HRH Princess Royal.

Laurence was granted the Regional Award of the Royal Yachting Association for his services to sailing in Wales.

Laurence was part of a generation of competitive GP14 sailors in North Wales and supported the development of the Welsh Schools Sailing Association.

Through his employment with Saunders Roe in Beaumaris he was instrumental in the design, manufacture and marketing of the Saro Scimitar dayboat at its Fryars factory in Llanfaes, Anglesey. He sailed No.1 for several years.

Subsequently he sailed Myfanwy,a MSOD (Menai Strait One Design). He raced competitively with Mildred, his wife, Welsh Girl, Fife No.27 in the fleet of this classic boat at Royal Anglesey Yacht Club. He was a member for over 60 years.

Laurence was an active member of the RAYC management committee for many years and Commodore from 1985 to 1988. He was a committed member of the overall Menai Strait Regattas organising committee and was for many years the Chairman of the Bangor Town Regatta Committee.

Prior to his retirement Laurence was employed by the Sports Council for Wales based at Plas Menai, Caernarfon, as centre manager.

He led also an active civic life in Beaumaris as a member of the Town Council, including the position of mayor.

Laurence will be remembered for his major contributions to sailing in Wales, the life of RAYC, the Menai Strait Regattas, Beaumaris Town Council and his many friends locally.

The late Laurence Roberts, former WYA Chair (left) at a presentation for Welsh Youth Sailors of the Year - Dave Jones and Mark Hogan - with Stephen 'Sparky' Park (right).

Picture: Laurence Roberts (left) at a presentation for Welsh Youth Sailors of the Year - Dave Jones and Mark Hogan - with former Welsh and later Olympic team manager Stephen 'Sparky' Park (right).