Bermudian lawyer and Conyers Dill & Pearman partner Guy Eldridge's death has been mourned by the business and sailing community following a fatal boating accident in St. Thomas on Friday.

Mr. Eldridge, who set up the Conyers' British Virgin Islands office in the 1990s, died instantly after breaking his neck in a fall during the International Rolex Regatta as the crew on board Luxury Girl were wrapping up for the day.

Well-known as a sailor and captain, Mr. Eldridge, who was 47 at the time of his death, is survived by his wife Sue-Ellyn and stepson William.

Specialising in all aspects of corporate law with particular expertise in asset and aircraft finance, joint ventures, securities offerings and insurance, Mr. Eldridge carried out a significant numbers of asset financing and securities transactions in Bermuda and the BVI, as well as the formation of BVI companies and partnerships, the registration and recognition of mutual funds and the use of BVI purpose trusts in commercial transactions.

Having graduated from Mount Allison University in Canada with a BA degree in 1984 and obtained a BA degree in law from the University of Kent at Canterbury two years later, Mr. Eldridge was admitted to practise in England in 1987 and in Bermuda in 1988, where he joined Conyers as an associate the same year.

He was admitted to practise in the BVI in 1997 after being posted there to establish Conyers' operations there and became a partner of the firm in 2001.

Robert Briant, head of the British Virgin Islands office, said he was devastated after hearing the news that his long-time friend had died suddenly after slipping on the companionway and landing on his neck.

"It is with deep sadness that I have to let you know that Guy passed away suddenly on Friday, March 26, 2010," he said. "Guy was on vacation in St. Thomas in a sailing regatta when he slipped and broke his neck. He died instantly.

"Guy was an integral part of the BVI office, and a true asset of the firm. He will be sorely missed." Writing in a letter in Royal BVI Yacht Club's newsletter, Commodore Dick Schoonover, said: "Guy was 47, and had served on the Club's board as captain of sailing for several years. Guy gave us imaginative courses to race, new and challenging races, and sailing events for cruisers, and he did it with great humour and wit.

"Seminars on the racing rules of sailing provided by Guy were always well-attended, and included elaborate diagrams for each of his challenging topics. He loved sailing, and loved to share his passion for sailing with others, especially youngsters.

"Beyond that, he gave the board and the Club his attorney's good sense and sound reasoning...We have lost a great yachtsman, an intellectual force on our board, a keen competitor, and a mentor."

Mr. Eldridge, who was also a military history enthusiast, will be cremated and a service will be held on April 10 at the Davis Funeral Home, Road Town in the BVI.