James Wharram, Devoran life celebrated at special ceremony.

The funeral of Mr Wharram, the "father of modern multi-hull cruising", was on December 30 at Penmount crematorium near Truro. Forty five family members and close friends were able to attend, but all followers and friends of James were given the opportunity to join the ceremony online via a webcast.

Mr Wharram's biggest claim to fame was proving to the sailing world that the Polynesian double canoe an ocean worthy craft in the 1950s.

James Wharram, who had lived in Devoran for the past 40 years, died aged 93 after struggling with the onset of dementia.

James was described as trailblazer, a fighter with great determination and vision. He first caught the attention of the sailing world in 1955, when he and two German women Jutta Schultze-Rohnhof and Ruth Merseburger left from Falmouth on the first British ocean-going catamaran, Tangaroa. The boat, just over seven-metres long, arrived in Trinidad in 1956.

Jutta Schultze Rohnhoff, James Wharram and Ruth Merseburger in New York with young Hannes (who did not make the crossing)

His partner Henneke Boon of Wharram Designs, Devoran said hundreds of condolences, heartfelt thoughts and memories were sent to the family or posted online following the funeral.

"These messages have been a great support to myself, our son Jamie and his partner Liz," said Ms Boon.

To honour Mr Wharram further a special 'Hui' Gathering to celebrate his life will take place between July 22nd - 25th (the exact day will be chosen according to the weather). A fleet of Wharram catamarans and other boats join the to scatter the ashes of James and his partner Ruth Merseburger on the outgoing tide from Falmouth, from where they started their first pioneering double canoe voyage in 1955.

James Wharram and Henneke Boon of Wharram Designs, Devoran

"This was their wish and gives us a chance to say a final farewell" said Ms Boon. "We hope many of you will be able to join us then, with or without your boat. There will also be a big celebration and BBQ at our headquarters in Devoran.

"This weekend is at neap tides as this will give us high water in Falmouth around mid-day. The plan is to moor our 23'6" Mana at Customs House Quay at high water, the same place where James, Ruth and Jutta were moored on Tanagaroa and from where they departed in 1955. We will then depart as a fleet on the outgoing tide to scatter the ashes. We will decide on the day for this based on the weather forecast as we need a nice day."

"As we have neap tides the boats will not be able to gather at Devoran Quay, as there will not be sufficient water. The best place to moor will be announced later."