On Australia Day 2015 John Jeremy became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to the preservation and celebration of naval and maritime history”. In fact, his contributions to the country’s sailing, shipping and naval communities over more than half a century were even more extensive.

From a tender age he was fascinated by boats. This led to a lauded career in naval architecture, during which John rose from apprentice draughtsman at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard to spending a decade as its last chief executive.

Such skills were also deployed further afield, including during his 54 years of Amateurs membership. An Honorary Life Member, John was the club’s 33rd Commodore (1982-85) and served on the Board of Directors for a remarkable 42 years.

An accomplished racing skipper and multiple season Gold Medallist, he owned and helmed four boats on Sydney Harbour whose aboriginal names each began with a ‘T’.

Some regarded John as first and foremost a marine photographer. A lifelong love of photography led to him becoming a prolific chronicler of ships, yachts and other watercraft.

During several decades as a volunteer race officer on our start boats, he photographed countless summer and winter races as well as many other club events. John’s credits appeared below a legion of fine photos gracing the pages of the SASC News, which he also edited with distinction for more than a quarter of a century until he crossed the bar in April 2025.

Former Commodore Charles Maclurcan noted that small not-for-profit clubs like the Amateurs “…benefit greatly from members with knowledge, intelligence, experience and an even temper.” (SASC News, October 2020)

Which described John Jeremy to a ‘T’.

He shared with Richard Palfreyman these reflections on an eventful boating life.