YV&C International Yacht Vacations & Charters Magazine reports:

Antigua Sun reported this morning: "Noted historian and founder of the St. John’s and Dockyard Museums Desmond Nicholson, 81, died yesterday morning at the Adelin Medical Centre after a prolonged illness. Nicholson is survived by his wife Lisa.

Archeologist Dr. Reginald Murphy described Nicholson as a historian, a sailor and a heritage person. He said Nicholson’s father came to the country in 1949 after the war, liked the Caribbean, bought a boat and settled in Dockyard.

The Nicholson family then started chartering their boat for people to travel the islands. Their venture gained popularity and it later successfully blossomed into a thriving yacht chartering business."

December 5, 2003 Photo Copyright YV&C

Nicholson Yachts also issued a statement today:

"We are saddened by news of the death of Desmond Nicholson who passed away in Antigua, January 24, 2006.

He was the son of Commander V.E.B. Nicholson. The Commander along with his wife, Desmond & their younger son Rodney, sailed into English Harbor, Antigua, in 1949.  Soon they were introducing friends from England to the island's beautiful waters and splendid sailing - and the business of chartering was born.

Desmond was passionately interested in the history of Nelson's Dockyard and instrumental in preserving its  buildings and naval structures. He was a respected amateur archaeologist and a guiding force in the creation of The Dockyard Museum and Library. All of us who enjoy English Harbor, an unequalled site of British maritime heritage, are the beneficiaries of Desmond Nicholson's lifelong dedication.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Lisa Nicholson, their children and grandchildren and to his dear brother, Rodney.

Condolences may be sent to the Nicholson family at:

December 5, 2003 Photo Copyright YV&C

(December 3, 2004) - Mr. Desmond Nicholson, founder of the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting, with the YV&C editorial team during the 2004 Antigua Charter Yacht Meerting.