In Memoriam: Gordon Passey, Yacht Broker & Gentleman

Gordon Passey, who worked for more than 30 years in the yachting industry has died at the age of 83.

Passey was born and raised in the United Kingdom. As a young man he spent much of his time on small boats in the Thames Estuary.

Sailing out of Moody’s Yard on Britain’s South Coast on his first boat, a classic 45 foot Norwegian built yawl, he was a frequent visitor to numerous havens on both sides of the English Channel, venturing as far as the Mediterranean.

Gordon came to the United States in 1980. On the beach, and boatless, a well-meaning friend introduced him to a yacht broker and a new career was launched which has continued without break to the time of his death.

Passey began his career in the marine business by joining Overseas Yachts in Marina del Rey, California. At Overseas he learned his trade representing a number of new boat manufacturers such as CHB, PT, Formosa, Nova and Celestial. His success led him to a brokerage license and he opened Princess Yacht Sales in San Diego in 1983. After 10 successful years in San Diego, he returned to Marina del Rey and joined Voyager Yachts. At Voyager he was responsible for managing the Fairline product line.

In 2001 Gordon again opened his own brokerage, Prestige Yachts, in Marina del Rey. Prestige was highly successful focusing on the high-end of the powerboat market. In 2008 Gordon joined long time friend Nereus Dastur to open the Denison Yacht Sales office in Marina del Rey.

Passey was a former member of and sat on the Board of Directors of the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA).

Gordon is survived by his wife Louise, son George, daughter Victoria and four grandchildren, Miles, Charlie, Jack, Daisy.

Services are scheduled for April 6 in Marina del Rey. For more information contact Denison California at (310) 821-5883.