I had the pleasure to have Lynda and David as crew on Mingming for the first day of the Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan in 2023. The first surprise was the meeting on the Crouesty ponton around Mingming with Jan. It was, I think a great day ad Lynda was at the helm most of the time.  Mingming was a bit rude for her and she was wet and cold but still happy and smiling. 
I had already the pleasure to work with Lynda as a participant to the JRA magazine. Lynda always improved my participations by rewriting and correcting very kindly my initial text.
All my condolences to David.

Eric

What terribly sad news! She was ‘my Editor’ for many years and many articles and I was sad that she decided to retire.

My condolences to her husband David

Paul McKay

I too am greatly saddened to hear this news. I worked with Lynda for a few years on the magazine, mainly helping her cope with frustrating technology. I was always in awe of how dedicated she was to her role as editor and the phenomenal amount of work she threw at it. Our regular video chats often went on for ages, rarely focused on the work but going off on wonderful tangents, she had so many interests and really lived a full life. I only met Lynda and David once, briefly, in France with Eric and Ming Ming but I'm so glad I did. My heartfelt condolences to David. 

I have just received this news and am broken-hearted.  I only met Lynda once, but during the time we worked together on the magazine, we became close friends.  Our friendship continued after we resigned, and when I suggested to Lynda that she learn the ukulele, we had a lot of fun sharing songs and our separate experiences - Lynda was obviously a lot more talented than I!

I wrote to her just a couple of days ago and hope she was well enough to read the email, which had a couple of yarns which I'm sure would have made her laugh.  She very much missed editing the magazine and losing contact with the JRA; during our years working together I was always impressed by her astonishing ability and discipline.  Her last magazine was a nightmare for her, with both of her computers giving problems and her memory not what it was.  Between us, we managed to get it all together and she was so relieved not to have let the side down.  I doubt anyone reading the magazine could have guessed at her struggles. 

Just as with building and sailing Tin Hau, she threw her heart and soul into the magazine and worked hard to acquire the necessary skills.  I admired her immensely and will very much miss our email conversations. My heart goes out to David: they had just celebrated 45 very happy years of marriage.

It is my very sad duty to say that Lynda Chidell, long time editor of the JRA magazine, spouse to David, accomplished voyager and sailor of junk rigged vessels, co-author of the book “Cutting the Dragon’s Tail” (with David), and friend to many people in the JRA, has passed away.  David has let us know that she died at home yesterday, after a period of illness.

The enormous contribution she made to the JRA is no doubt just a small part of a life well lived and full of contribution to those around her.  A fuller appreciation is warranted but in the meanwhile we wanted to let her friends know.  

David has been her great support through this and previous serious illnesses, and I hope some of us can be of support to him now.

Kevin (JRA Chair)