Sailability Hong Kong co-founder Mike Rawbone dies, aged 75; community mourns pioneer who gave sailing to poor, disabled and minorities
- Rawbone and his wife Kay co-founded the Sailability charity in 2009, helping those with physical and intellectual disabilities find joy in sailing
- World Sailing describes Rawbone as ‘a hugely important figure in Para sailing and a pioneer of the sport in Hong Kong’
Hong Kong sailing is mourning the death of Sailability co-founder Mike Rawbone, whose dedication and efforts, along with wife Kay, gave thousands of underprivileged and disabled people hope and courage through sailing. He was 75.
Rawbone died on Monday, having launched the Hong Kong branch of the global sailing charity Sailability in 2009 at the Hebe Haven Yacht Club in Sai Kung. He leaves behind his wife, Kay, three children and seven grandchildren.
“The Scallywag team were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Rawbone in Hong Kong on Monday. Mike was instrumental in setting up the SHK Scallywag Foundation & his own charity Sailability HK founded 10 years ago with his beloved wife Kay. RIP,” tweeted Sun Hung Kai Scallywag, the Hong Kong racing team that sponsors part of Rawbone’s programme.
Almost 3,000 youngsters and adults who are poor, physically or intellectually disabled, or part of minority groups, have benefited from Sailability Hong Kong’s activities. They are given the chance to learn sailing through a structured programme, with many going on to develop their skills on more advanced boats.
Rawbone’s first job in Hong Kong was to recruit workers to build the Tsing Ma Bridge. After the project was complete, he was sent to England “kicking and screaming” but was able to return to the city in 2003.
Kay Rawbone has played an integral part in helping intellectually disabled people with the programme. Friends say she is devastated but has vowed to carry on the work that she and Mike started in 2009.
