More than 150 mourners gathered today for the funeral of a British yachtsman who was killed by pirates as he “chased his dream” of sailing the world with his wife.

Malcolm Robertson, 64, was described as a “great survivor” who lost his first wife to cancer and battled the disease himself before being murdered off the coast of Thailand last month.

The semi-retired successful businessman, from Hastings, is believed to have been bludgeoned with a hammer and then thrown overboard off the Andaman sea coast.

Fishermen found his body a week later - 10 nautical miles north of Satun's Lipeh island.

His wife Linda, 57, and their four children were among the mourners who gathered for the 90-minute service at St John the Evangelist Church in St Leonards-on-Sea.

Placed in front of Mr Robertson's flower-decked coffin was a picture of him looking tanned and relaxed with his feet up, and a model ship, serving as a reminder of his passion for sailing.

Father Andrew Perry, who led the service, said: “He was a great survivor. Many of you will know that he lost his first wife to cancer in his 30s, he had cancer in his 40s and finally lost his life in a botched robbery in his 60s.

“Maybe because of his brushes with death, it made him into a determined person. He became a person who made things happen. It was his dream to buy a yacht and sail around the world.”

Fr Perry said Mr Robertson, who was responsible for setting up the 1066 Bakery and Mr Bean coffee shops in East Sussex, was a doting father and grandfather.

He added: “He was also an outrageous flirt, with an ability to walk into a room and make all the women feel special but all the men were his mates too.

“He was also a plain-speaking man who didn't mince his words but there was also a spiritual and artistic side. He was the original Jane Asher and he loved his wine.”

Mr Robertson's friend, Rob Platts, drew applause at the end of his tribute, during which he said Mr Robertson was a man “chasing his dream - he was always reaching for those stars”.

He read a poem entitled Dry Hulls Don't Float featuring the words: “I'll voyage through life with hardly a care; Each safe harbour I leave, I'll leave to dare; And to invite and incite a new sun's grace.”

Later, Mr and Mrs Robertson's four children read emotional notes. Fighting back tears, Dean Robertson said: “I know a big part of your spirit will be with us soon.”