Portsmouth man who died while sailing around UK remembered as yacht brought home to Southsea Marina

Craftsman Michael Savage, known as Mick, died on April 1 this year. His body was recovered off the coast of Dover after he set off from Southsea on the Easter weekend to embark on his journey, which the 59-year-old had hoped to complete before his 60th birthday.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police assisted HM Coastguard and Port of Dover Police on Monday 1 April 2024 following a report of a person overboard from a yacht in the English Channel. A man in his 50s was located and sadly pronounced deceased. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”

NOW READ: "Special" Portsmouth man who died sailing off coast of Dover to be remembered

Following a funeral held in his hometown Fleet on Thursday, May 2, friends and loved ones gathered on Eastney Beach to watch as Mick’s yacht the Konsorted was brought back to Southsea Marina, where it will remain for a year so that his family and friends can “gather and feel close to him.” Crowds met outside the RNLI Portsmouth Lifeboat Station from 6pm on Friday, May 10.

NOW READ: Portsmouth Comic Con 2024: 49 incredible pictures

Ahead of the touching celebration of Mick’s life, freind and fellow boating enthusiast Danny Hutchinson described him as someone who was always the life and sould of the party despite being sober for more than two decades. He became known as a “sober raver” who was sometimes seen on the dancefloor with a cup of tea in hand. Danny said: “He was someone who had so much time for everyone and had a big effect on so many people’s lives. Everyone who seemed to know him thought that he was special to them. We’ve met people since his death - who we didn’t even know were friends of his - that have told us he changed their lives. He always made time to be there for people.”

A fundraiser was launched to help bring Konsorted home and it has now raised more than £7,700 - with more raised through other avenues according to Danny. Proceeds above the original £7,000 target will be donated to the RNLI and the Air Ambulance in Mick's honour. Danny added that friends of Mick would like to encourage boating and sailing enthusiasts to check their safety equipment - such as life jackets - regularly. You can donate to the fundraiser here.

Watch the footage embedded in the article to see the Konsorted return home.