FORMER Christchurch Sailing Club commodore and sailing instructor Derrick Cobden died while on holiday in Scotland with his wife Diana, aged 91.

Born in Barnet, London, in October 1922, Mr Cobden was the youngest of three children.

He attended the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Shoreditch Technical College, where he studied draughtsmanship and design – with a focus on cabinet-making.

In 1941, Mr Cobden volunteered for the RAF where he served until about 1947.

After training he was commissioned as a flight engineer and flew in a Halifax as a member of Bomber Command, 77 Squadron.

He was extremely proud of his service to his country – for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross – and he remained in close contact with his comrades.

After the war, Mr Cobden studied to become a teacher via the government's emergency training scheme, specialising in woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing.

At first he taught in Pocklington, in what was the East Riding of Yorkshire, running popular evening classes at the same time and developing his own skills in furniture making and woodturning.

He also taught in Hertford Heath in Cheshunt County Secondary School, where he developed his interest and love of sailing, and helped run Central Council for Physical Education courses.

Also at this time, with like-minded craftsman Bert Keeble, he developed the Torch dinghy and published a book – Cassell’s Young Mariners Guide.

In 1962, having moved to Hampshire, he became the first principal of the Marine Training Centre in Hengistbury Head, and he remained at the centre for nearly twenty years – helping with the construction of another dinghy, the Scow.

Mr Cobden joined Christchurch Sailing Club in 1965 and remained a member until his death, serving as trustee later in life for many years.

He was commodore from 1983-87, and closely involved with the social life of the club, attending rallies and other events.

He and Diana sailed in the Baltic Sea each summer for around ten years.

They had married in 1978, each bringing two daughters from a previous relationship. When he became unable to maintain his boat they bought a camper van to continue their adventures.

Mr Cobden also leaves grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In retirement, Mr Cobden continued to hone his woodworking skills and became a member of the Dorset Craft Guild, working tirelessly on the development of the Walford Mill Craft Centre.

Also, for many years he was secretary of the Christchurch Harbour Association.

A celebration of Mr Cobden’s life will be held at Christchurch Priory at noon on October 31, with a reception at Christchurch Sailing Club.