Tributes have been paid to former St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club Commodore Brian Oatley, who has died at the age of 52.

Mr Oatley was described as “the heart and soul” of the club, where he worked as a volunteer administrator for more than 20 years.

The club hosts the annual 1-2 Race from Newport, Rhode Island and also the Bermuda Ocean Race from Annapolis, Maryland to St. George’s, and Mr Oatley was instrumental in ensuring that the events ran smoothly.

Last night immediate past commodore Frank Jennings said Mr Oatley’s commitment made him “probably the most valued member of the club”.

“Brian lived for the ocean and was totally dedicated to the club, St George’s and Bermuda and will be very much missed,” Mr Jennings said.

“Even when he was ill at home, he was working on his computer, getting the club ready for next year’s races.”

Mr Jennings said that Mr Oatley would regularly take his speedboat out to greet visiting sailors, welcoming them with a Dark & Stormy.

“Brian was just such a fantastic ambassador,” he said.

“He worked tirelessly behind the scenes and without a salary — it was purely voluntary. He was a quiet and unassuming man who could be reserved, but he was also a very powerful man and was without doubt the heart and soul of this club.”

A funeral service for Mr Oatley will take place at 3pm on Wednesday at St. Peters Anglican Cemetery in St George’s.