A PROPOSAL to scatter the ashes of a world-renowned sailor at the four corners of the globe has been welcomed by his family as a fitting accolade.

Jeff Martin, 65, from Falmouth died tragically in January last year during a skiing holiday in France.

His sudden death shocked the yachting world and, in a fitting tribute, the World Sailing governing body has proposed his ashes should be scattered in every region of the world.

His wife Angie Martin told the Falmouth Packet it was a very moving gesture and a sign of international respect and affection in which her husband was held.

“A proposal has been made by one of the world council that his ashes should be scattered on the water of a laser regatta venue in every region of the world,” she said. “Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and Asia. What a fantastic compliment, and weren’t we lucky to have him?”

Mr Martin was hugely respected as executive secretary of the International Laser Class Association for 40 years and had been entered into its “Hall of Fame”.

He was also the longest serving World Sailing International judge and had been awarded a gold medal for his services to World Sailing.

In 2012 he led one of the race management teams at the London Olympic Games.

Last year his wife Angie and his brother-in-law Phil Badger were invited to Bermuda where the annual World Sailing conference was held to receive posthumously WS prestigious award The Beppe Croce Trophy for outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing.

Mr Martin fell 30 feet from a ski lift after being taken ill whilst holidaying in Meribel, France in January, 2019.