David Neish: 1948-2020

The Asian yachting community has been saddened to hear that David Neish passed away in Hong Kong on Tuesday, December 22. He was 72.

David was a well-known and popular figure in the industry since joining Asia-Pacific Boating as Advertising Manager in August 2005, later becoming Advertising Director. He worked for the publication until late 2018, when he co-founded Farfalla Marine with Mark Denny-Fairchilde.

Born in Hong Kong, he attended King George V school. He moved to England to study photography at the London College of Printing (now London College of Communication) and pursued his passion as a commercial and still-life photographer in the capital.

David returned to Hong Kong in 1987 and worked in the film industry and advertising. He then moved to the super car industry, working for Ferrari, before joining the yachting industry.

He was a prominent and popular figure at many boat shows and events across Asia and a regular visitor to the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show each September, as well as other international shows.

Gael Burlot, publisher of Yacht Style, said: “Like so many in the industry, we were heartbroken to hear about David, who many of us have been close to since he joined the industry. He was very well liked across the yachting field in Asia and by many more in the industry worldwide.

“We’ve shared and received so many tributes and kind words about him, and it was clear he made friends wherever he went. Many are shocked, but one nicely captured his spirit when he wrote ‘David was one of the coolest and friendliest people I know. He really was one of a kind’. We’re all sad to say goodbye to a dear friend.”