‘People’s Skipper’ sailor Joe English dies at 58

The death has taken place of Cork yachtsman Joe English, the former skipper of Ireland’s first entry in the Whitbread Round the World Race.

The 58-year-old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s seven years ago, a disease which ended his successful career as a professional sailor.

Dubbed ‘The People’s Skipper’, Joe was an immensely popular sailor who was also acclaimed internationally.