The passing of boatbuilding stalwart and much-loved family man Fuad Jacobs has prompted many emotional tributes from industry stakeholders. Fuad was a true legend of the industry who inspired all those around him. In establishing a family yard in Cape Town he not only overcame tremendous odds, having started out during the height of Apartheid, he and his brothers went on to complete multiple world class projects. Their boats have fanned out across the world, each one a bold statement of craftsmanship and dedication. Below are just some of the many tributes that appeared in the wake of Fuad’s passing.

In addition to the tributes we have included in this newsletter a profile feature of Fuad published a few years ago which provides an overview of his remarkable career. RIP Fuad Jacobs (Feature included at the end of the newsletter).

By Kuba Miszewski
I have known Fuad for many years. Fuad laid up my Stad 23, Panna Wodna, when he was with TonCup Yachts in 1981. We soon became adversaries in our Mirrors, so many races, so many cover tacks, then we sailed numerous Mirror Worlds again competing against one another. Fuad was a fierce competitor on the water and a real gentleman on the shore! We never protested one another, such was the nature of our friendship. Fuad’s finest hour was winning a race in the 2015 Mirror Worlds at Theewaterskloof. Fuad was always there to help and advise, not only was he an International Measurer but also built many Mirrors. So many youngsters were nurtured by Fuad, and are still sailing today.

Fuad was a craftsman of note, building amazing aluminum yachts and helped me with projects in Turkey and France, always with the most outstanding work in conditions where no one else wanted to work!

Fuad was a family man, with the family travelling to regattas all over the country – who could forget the Jacobs Family in the Kombi tent with the little square Weber Braai inside the tent to warm it!

Fuad together with Taariq joined me for a 6 day hike in the Hex River Mountains one year, what a time we had!

Condolences to Juaida, Kareema, Siraj and Taariq – we will all miss Fuad – Sail on my friend, Sail on, till we meet again at another regatta.

By Angelo Lavranos
Fuad Jacobs was a marvellous man ! A talented and meticulous craftsman in aluminium and timber and a Master Boat builder. An excellent sailor and racing competitor over many years at ZVYC and in their family cruising boat at RCYC. And most importantly of all, a man of his word, who always did his level best to help everyone he had contact with, and always accommodating. My condolences to his family and his brothers. He will be sorely missed.

By Peter Jacops
Fuad was a skilled boat builder and a true gentleman

By David Abromowitz
Very sad to hear of Fuad’s passing. He was a leading light in the creation of South Africa’s enviable reputation as builders of best quality international yachts.

The top class boats that he and his family have built since the late 1970’s can be found in all corners of the world.

On top of which he was such a wonderful gentleman.

By Ed Joy
Farewell to a good man and a great friend. Collaborating with such a skilled builder as Fuad Jacobs has been my honor and great fortune.

I know you have taught your children well and they will build from the foundation that you so ably set down for them. They will pick up your quill and extend your indelible mark on the sailing industry far into the future.

By Vanessa (On behalf of the SABBEX Board)
Dear Juayda, Sierah, Kareemah and Taariq

On behalf of the SABBEX Board, I would like to extend the industry’s sincerest condolences on your loss of Fuad. Fuad was an incredible boat builder, but above all he was a gentleman, a man of his word and a man of honour. He cared deeply for his family and understood the need for proper training and succession planning, amongst many other attributes.

We remember his participation as a Board member of SABBEX, his involvement in the writing of the first boat building qualification in South Africa, his industry Legend Award in 2019 at the industry awards dinner; and the special mention of Fuad in Dave Abromowitz’s keynote address at the dinner this year. This is testament to the industry’s high regard for his pioneering spirit, his craftsmanship, his knowledge of boat building and his ethical business acumen.

We have lost a legend in our industry, but the spirit of Jacobs Bros boat builders lives on in you.

We think of you at this time of mourning; for your loss and for the celebration of his extraordinary life.

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