It’s 1941: as Prep 1 gathered for their first school day, among the tiny tots at Eagle Junction State School were Malcolm Campbell, John Crooke and Don Jobbin. The three new friends completed their scholarships, joining Churchie’s sub-Junior class circa 1949. Don excelled at athletics and rugby, John at upsetting headmaster Harry Roberts and ‘Malcs’ earned the title of ‘Mr X’—Roberts being certain he was behind lots of school pranks but unable to prove it. All three went on to lead successful lives—Malcs in the Diplomatic Corps, Don an ENT surgeon and John a leader in the timber industry. Sailing, waterskiing, boating and other such ‘wet sports’ filled their youthful lives, with a good share of social gatherings and parties. Malcs was quite an amateur boat builder, completing a 12ft Trainee under his home at London Road, Clayfield. Gathering his mates one Friday evening for the traditional naming but, being short of champagne, one suggested the drink of the evening (rum) would be an agreeable alternative and proceeded to splash it over the bow of the beautifully- painted vessel. Next morning, when John and the sailors returned, they found the overnight soaking had made a bubbly mess of the exquisite paint job! Recriminations followed, but in due course the paint finish was restored to initial glory. Together, many of the early sailing mates joined RQYS becoming involved with its growth, Malcolm remaining a Member for his life (of over 70 years) and enjoying visits to his old Club during his regular trips home. While much of Malcolm’s life was spent in Europe—some of that in areas of conflict—his Aussie traits held him in good stead, his old club RQYS and his mates here being his birthplace anchor. His family farewelled him in a private cremation in the town of Hulzen in Europe. n ~ P/Cdre Richard Crooke An RQYS Member since 1969, John was earlier involved sailing dinghies in the Club’s regular Saturday races. Work and life got in the way however and, after moving to Sydney, John had the opportunity to do many Hobarts, albeit as a Country/Absentee Member of RQYS. His important role in these events was as a Volunteer on the radio relay vessels. John began his career in radio as a presenter and journalist in Mount Isa. He also worked at radio stations 2CH, 2UE, 3AW, 4BC and 6PM across Australia. He founded The Capital Group in March 1989, building a successful marketing and branding corporate communications company, instrumental in preparing for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. When in Brisbane, John always patronised the Squadron and was always interested in the developments and expansions of the Club and RQYS Canaipa over many years. n Malcolm ‘Malcs’ Campbell 70-year Member + 13 February 2025 John Quinn Visiting Volunteer + 1 October 2025 Denis crossed the bar at 91 years of age, leaving a living Squadron legacy in the presence of his son, Chris. Known to many in the RQYS Powerboating and Cruising fraternity, Chris is extending the family connection, currently serving as Rear Commodore. Denis started his love of boating by sailing Diamond and Flying Dutchman classes and also enjoyed engaging in many competitions over the years—winning the Myora Cup 15 times and the Goodwill Cup seven times! He was twice awarded ‘Power Boater of the Year’, 11 times as Squadron Champion (LPC/GPS), six times as winner of the Past-Commodores’ Cup (GPS) and he won ‘Power Cruiser of the Year’ on “North Light” in 2012 and again in 2020. Denis was awarded Life Membership in 1991 for his exceptional contributions to the Squadron’s growth and development, his involvement with Committees, and began his Flag Officer terms in 1996, serving as Commodore from 2000 to 2002. n P/Cdre Denis Land Life Member (LM) + 8 October 2025 One of Australia’s most accomplished ocean racers, ‘Jimbo’s’ remarkable career spanned five round-the-world races, four America’s Cup campaigns, Admiral’s Cups and Sydney—Hobarts, including a secondover-the-line finish sailing two-handed in the 2023 Hobart. A true Southern Ocean specialist, Jim was also a gifted innovator, credited with ideas that helped shape the sport. He is thought to have logged more racing nautical miles than any other Australian sailor. Beyond his many, truly extraordinary achievements, Jim was noted for his warmth, creativity and his unwavering devotion to family and friends. He had been working on a book of stories from his sailing life and wife Julie asked that Members who knew him share their memories at: https:// closeencounters.com.au n James (‘Jimbo’) Close Storied ocean racer + 2 July 2026 Mainsheet 2026 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook 86 Valedictories
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