Word reached the Vineyard this week of the death of Philip Stone, from complications of malaria in Xai Xai, Mozambique. A native of South Africa, Phil moved to the Vineyard from Mystic, Conn., in 1983 and lived in Vineyard Haven and Chilmark until 2003 when he returned to South Africa.

A skilled and careful craftsman, Phil was a carpenter, sculptor, water -color painter and cabinet maker, but above all he was an extraordinary seaman and sailor of the old-fashioned variety. Indeed, he first left South Africa as a teenager on board a racing yacht in one of the Cape to Rio races. Thereafter he sailed as mate or crew for such legendary racing sailors as South African Bertie Reid, and Malcolm Horsley on Stormvogel. He later sailed around the world on Lord Jim, and on the British classic cutter Tern IV, as well as on Pacifica, Gael Na Mara, Ayuthia, When and If and the gaff ketch Black Moses, which he sailed singlehandedly to Florida. At the time of his death he was fishing in Mozambique.

He was born in March of 1953, the son of Richard and Shirley Stone. He died on Feb. 10. He is survived by his mother, his siblings Laurence and Janet, two nephews, an aunt, uncle and cousins and many loving friend all over the world. His family plans a memorial service in Port Elizabeth and to spread his ashes over Algoa Bay in South Africa.

Vineyard friends are encouraged to walk down to Lucy Vincent beach and remember Phil.