Obituary – Russell Potts

Russell, or Robert Russell, as he was named by his parents, Robert being his father’s name, so he was always known as Russell, was the elder of two boys growing up in Sunderland until the age of six when the family moved to Pinner in Middlesex. Russell attended the Pinner Grammar School where he achieved good results although he refused to become a Prefect. He later won a scholarship to King’s College, London where he studied History and during this period he met Gillian whom he subsequently married. The family home became 8 Sherard Road where Russell and Gill raised their four children, Amanda, Cherry, Roselle and Nick.

Russell learnt French and German at school and later taught himself Spanish as his special interest was the Spanish Civil War. In retirement he attended Imperial College, London where he amused himself by reading for a Masters Degree with his published thesis titled Sporting Hobbies and Social Class; the case of Model Yachting.

From College, he went straight into employment with the Civil Service and we have this photo of a younger Russell when he was part of the Armed Forces Pay review during his time working for the Ministry of Defence.

Russell took early retirement after the Falklands War which he was implacably opposed to. Russell was a man to hold clear and strong principled ideas and we might say, was not one to entertain what he considered a foolish opinion.

From childhood model boating and an earlier interest in model aeroplanes Russell returned to model yachting in the 1970’s. Besides UK National competitions and his membership of Danson Club, Russell was a competitor in the Marblehead and 10 Rater Classes in which he represented the UK at International events, including the 10 Rater World Championships held in Australia in 1990.

Always willing to encourage others into the sport and to put something back into the organisation, Russell became Radio Control Secretary of the MYA in 1983 and later served four years as the MYA Council General Secretary from 1985, taking over from Roy Gardner. When he retired from this post in 1989 Chris Dicks, the then retiring Chairman wrote “ Russell Potts over the past four years has brought to the Association his not inconsiderable professional administration experience” Russell was an early user of computers and so the MYA Council Minutes were first produced by him in “word processed” format. In 1979/80 during the early years of radio control Russell was influential with the Home Office to establish exclusivity of specific radio frequencies without interference for model yachting use. In 1986 the World Championships of the Marblehead Class were held in the UK at Fleetwood. Russell acted as the organising Championships Secretary for which competitors, still today, record their praise for a memorable and well run event. A job he repeated when the 1990 Marblehead Worlds were at a late stage, moved from Portugal to the UK following the untimely death of the Portugal organiser. He was later made a Vice President of the Model Yachting Association.

On the Vintage side he was instrumental in setting up what became the US-UK Challenge racing 36 Restricted Class yachts with teams from the UK and USA. Most of the USA team came from San Francisco and San Diego with Earl Boebert from Albuquerque. Russell headed up the first UK visit across the pond in 2003. As a result of this, bi-annual visits continued between the UK venues and USA, but in 2011 both teams met in New York and later sailed at Marblehead . Many friendships were formed during these memorable times for which those involved had Russell to thank.

Although Russell never owned a car or took a driving test he attended London area meetings travelling by train or bus, with a smaller yacht in hand. Outside of London he was always grateful for a lift and frequently Richard Howlett and later, Geoffrey Turner provided the taxi service. Russell also travelled to more distant meetings by train and even managed an excursion to Scotland in pursuit of his model yachting research. He was always pleased to meet with members, seeing their boats, willing to offer advice and information. A font of exceptional knowledge !

Russell was a great writer and from 1985 to 1992 he submitted articles under the CURVED AIR banner to Model Boats magazine. It was these articles, which brought people together at a pond side with their old models that later, in 1987, led to the formation of The Vintage Model Yacht Group, affiliated to the MYA., and later under his guidance, the formation of the US VMYG. Russell had begun his research and study of the history of model yachting and his Model Boats articles provide a wonderful record of his discoveries. He also became a member of the British Society of Sports History and was the founding editor of its journal, The Sports Historian.

His writing never ceased; he produced many booklets under the Curved Air Press banner with 100 years of the 10 Rater Rule written to celebrate the Centenary of the Length and Sail Area Rule introduced by the Yacht Racing Association on 1st January 1887. A design history of the Marblehead Class and Jack’s Guide to Restoration were other titles in addition to his reprints of Tuning up a Model Yacht , How to sail your model yacht etc: , his Bibliography of Model Yachting undoubtedly being one of his most important contributions to the history of model yachting.
As a linguist he corresponded in both French, German and Spanish, again recording model yachting history and in the earlier days of the VMYG he seemed to write an endless number of individual letters replying to people with advice and suggestions about restoration.

Russell undoubtedly enjoyed the challenge of restoring an old model yacht and often devised alternative methods by trying different materials; various types of polythene sheet were often tried for sail making. His greatest joy was to see a recently rescued model back on the water.

His depth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects and his incredible memory of events and records was truly amazing; his willingness to help others will always be remembered. To have had the opportunity to spend time with Russell and appreciate his wide academic understanding and knowledge was indeed a treasured privilege.

Russell passed away on Tuesday afternoon 7th October 2025 after a notable and accomplished life spanning 91 years. With his daughter Roselle present, he died peacefully in Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich, following a fall at home which resulted from ageing decline, but thankfully no discomforting illness.

We offer our condolences to Russell’s surviving family, Amanda, Cherry, Roselle and Nick and his four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. . His wife Gillian predeceased him on 5th December 2022, a loss which Russell found very hard to bear.

Acknowledging Russells’ wish there will be no attended funeral but it is intended to hold a gathering in London to celebrate his life during the first two weeks of August 2026 at which VMYG members will be able to attend, bringing a model yacht to sail at Blackheath. Date and full details to be advised in due course.

Martin Bandy 13/10/25