Peter Milne, one of Britain’s most prodigious designers of small boats, including the International Fireball, died at his home in Chichester on Friday 23 May.

In 1962, Milne took the prototype Fireball to Yachts & Yachting magazine and was asked to write a feature about the design. Editor Bill Smart was so impressed with both the boat and the write-up that he asked Milne to join the magazine as Assistant Editor, replacing John Westall, the designer of the 505 dinghy. He worked there for 7 years, taking over as Editor when Smart retired in 1965, as well as continuing with his design work. He later worked for Yachting World as Technical Editor and then briefly as Editor of Classic Boat.

While Milne produced more than 40 class dinghies, production cruisers and powerboat designs, it is the Fireball that he will be best remembered for.

Peter continued with his design and build vocation until fairly recently. He is survived by his wife Margaret, sister Judith two daughters Sue and Tessa, and three grandchildren.