TRIBUTES have been paid to a yacht club admiral who was also “a total gentleman”.

Jack Voss was a key figure in the history of Brighton Marina Yacht Club (BMYC), forming it in the late 1970s when asked by the marina’s managing director.

He was the first commodore of BMYC, the first president and the first admiral, continuing as a member right up to the end of his life, aged 92.

Current commodore Peter Dilloway-Thompson knew Mr Voss from 1978.

He said: “He was a total gentleman. It was an honour and a real privilege to know him. He liked to see people dressed up smart in the club. The yacht club was his baby.”

Mr Voss, who lived on Brighton seafront for many years, leaves behind his wife, Anne.

Mr Voss owned Priscilla, a 31ft motor launch built in 1978 at Mitchell’s Yard in West Quay, Newhaven, used to tow racing yachts.

His nautical life began during the Second World War when he towed Thames barges to Southampton to have them converted into landing craft for D-Day.

Jack attained his Freedom of the River Thames accolade, becoming a fully- qualified Thames Pilot.

He was following family tradition with his career as 300 years ago one of his ancestors won a River Thames race.

Later in his business life he became the MD of Lowenbrau UK and worked with the company until his retirement.

Mr Dilloway-Thompson, 72, said Jack had not been in the best of health for the past few months, being admitted to hospital with an infection two weeks before his death.

His funeral service will be held at Woodvale Crematorium’s North Chapel next Wednesday, August 13, at noon.

His family has requested no flowers but said donations may be given in Jack’s memory to the Sea Cadets.