A coastal Moray community is today mourning the loss of a popular sailor and reflecting on his contributions to the area.
Boatbuilder Frank Whyte died on Saturday afternoon when a freak gust of wind capsized his yacht and several others off Findhorn Bay.
Yesterday, the 69-year-old’s shocked friends said that he “lived for Findhorn” and was a beloved figure around the shore.
Last year, Mr Whyte oversaw the creation of the Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club’s St Ayle’s skiff, “Joppa”.
Artist Karen Grant filmed the boat’s launch ceremony last May.
The poignant footage captures Mr Whyte at the front and centre of proceedings, beaming with pride as the traditional craft makes its maiden voyage.
The film lasts roughy two-and-a-half minutes and documents the vessel’s journey from the workshop where Mr Whyte spent countless hours on its construction to the bay at the Moray beauty spot.
Artist Ms Grant described Mr Whyte as a “an absolutely lovely man who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him”.
She said the video footage summed up his cheerful and friendly personality.
