Key Yachting, based at Hamble Point Marina, has announced that co-founder and managing director of the brokerage, Paul Heys, has passed away while on holiday in the Caribbean.

In a statment, the company said: ‘We are desperately shocked and sad to announce that Paul Heys, co-founder and Managing Director of Key Yachting, has passed away. He was enjoying a much-deserved holiday in the Caribbean with his wife Marie-Claude and came into difficulties while swimming on Monday morning.

‘Paul was a much-loved Husband, Dad, Brother and Granddad, and was greatly admired in the sailing community; sailing was his life and passion.

‘Paul will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.

‘The team at Key Yachting are understandably upset by this sudden news. Office attendance may be reduced over the next few days, we appreciate your understanding of our grief during this time.

‘Details of the funeral arrangements will be made available once finalised.’

Key Yachting is the distributor for new J Boats, Grand Soleil, Tofinou, and Nautitech throughout the UK and Ireland.