Former editor of Yachting Monthly, Des Sleightholme, has died at the age of 82.

After an early job in a Cowes boatyard, Des started delivering yachts for a living before becoming an instructor in seamanship at the Outward Bound Sea School. From there he became a charter skipper and a founder member of the Island Cruising Club in Salcombe, Devon.

He skippered the 50-ton Edwardian schooner Hoshi and the Brixham trawler Provident. In these heavy craft Des took charter parties around the Channel Islands, Brittany, Normandy and into the bay of Biscay through the Chenal du Four and the Raz de Sein.

But when his mate in life and also on board – Joyce – gave birth to their daughter Michelle he came ashore and into the magazine world. He became editor of YM in 1967 working under the equally legendary Maurice Griffiths.

He retired from YM in 1985 but still kept up his column Sea Sense as well as writing a column for our sister magazine Classic Boat. He was also the author of many books.