The Thames Sailing Barge Match committee and community are deeply saddened by the passing of Richard Walsh on 10 August 2026. Richard was a towering figure in the maritime heritage community, serving as the vice chairman of the Society for Sailing Barge Research (SSBR) and the long-standing, legendary editor of its annual journal, Topsail. His passion for preserving spritsail history was unmatchable—whether he was meticulously rerigging the Wyvenhoe in 1983, publishing definitive histories via Chaffcutter Books, or actively supporting our annual races at Gravesend alongside his wife, Mary. His immense knowledge, generous spirit, and lifelong dedication to the waterways will be sorely missed by bargemen and enthusiasts alike.