A maritime historian with an encyclopaedic knowledge of seafaring has died after a short illness.

Brightlingsea's John Jefferies, known affectionately as JJ, suffered an aneurysm followed by two heart attacks and kidney failure, and passed away at Ipswich Hospital on March 27.

He came from one of the most renowned yachting families in the UK, and was the nephew of Harold Stroud, first mate on the royal racing cutter Britannia, as well as great-nephew to Capt Robert Wringe, who commanded the Shamrocks I, II and III.

Married to wife Jean for over half a century, the 77-year-old had travelled round the world as a deck hand, and later worked at Trinity House in Harwich for many years.

Last year, the great-grandfather of Chapel Road became the author of Maritime: Sacred to Their Memory.

The book was a tribute to the masters, navigators and sailors of England who made up the crew members of famous yachts, like SY Sapphire II, owned by Lord and Lady Fairhaven of the USA.

Colchester councillor, Ron Levy, who published JJ's book, called his death a "terrible loss".

"I can't believe he's not with us any more," he said.

"He lived for yachting from the age of six - he lived, breathed and ate it.

"Whoever anybody spoke of in the yachting world, he would be able to remember something about them.

"He had an incredible, remarkable memory.

"Unfortunately, with his death a lot of his knowledge has died with him."

Mr Levy says that all of JJ's historical material has been passed on to him to deal with, and that it is likely to be handed over to a maritime museum.

He added: "I shall do everything to make sure that his memory lives on - he deserves that."

JJ is survived by children Derek, Sandra, Robert and Michelle, grandchildren Sarah, Christopher, Charlotte, Bonnie, Emily, Jenson, Zoe and Blue and three great-grandchildren Tara, Giles and Ellie.

His funeral will be held at All Saints Church in Brightlingsea on Tuesday, April 8 at 1pm.

You can read more about him and his book at the link below.