Zane Gills
Tributes pour in for The Ocean Race veteran Zane, who tragically passed away in December.
The whole Ocean Race family was saddened to hear of the tragic passing of The Ocean Race sailor, Zane Gills last month.
Zane, who was originally from Australia but had been based in Lymington, UK, made his debut in the Race in 2011-12 edition as a bowman onboard Team Telefónica.
Xabi Fernández, who raced alongside Zane in 2011-12, and skippered MAPFRE in the following two editions, remembers Zane as a driven and talented sailor, with a fun side that made him a first pick for any crew.
“What to say about Zane? We did together the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 on board the VO70 Telefónica. He was a man of few words on board, discreet but extremely effective doing his job. He was young, strong and above all a great guy,” he says.
“I still remember when we were rounding Cape Horn and he suddenly jumped on deck with just a sock covering his privates,” he laughs. “I think he surprised all of us and of course he made us laugh a lot!”
He adds: “Undoubtedly, this is a great loss. He will be deeply missed by all.”
Richard Mason, himself a four-time Race veteran who now works with the Race organisation, expressed his sorrow at the news.
“I sailed with, and against Zane, and the news of his passing has rocked all of us in The Ocean Race family,” said Mason.
“Zane was one of the good guys – he was one of those quiet, solid, funny but super professional blokes who would never let you down. He was Mr Reliable. There’s no other way to describe him, he just loved it.
“He always dreamt of doing the race – he loved the sea, and he loved the race. He was a bowman, always on the front line and he never lost his nerve. He was just a fantastic guy.”
Zane’s wife Sarah has asked for anyone with photos or videos of Zane share them in highest possible resolution by WeTransfer to ben@islandimages.co.uk as she is putting together a video of his life.