A FUND-RAISING event is to be held on Phuket on Friday evening in memory of Khun Boo, ''one of South East Asia's finest sailors.''

Khun Boo passed away in a Malaysian hospital on Wednesday morning after an extended period in a coma.

The fund-raiser, originally organised to help Khun Boo through his ordeal, will now aim to raise money for hospital bills and a funeral.

Mick Kealy, Commodore of the Ao Chalog Yacht Club, told members of the sad turn of events in an email: ''It is with deep regret that I must inform you all that at 10am local time today one of South East Asia's finest sailors passed away.

''Boo's condition deteriorated until he moved on. Naturally, his good friend Chandran was there, as he has been for the last three weeks.

'Boo's brother and Mark Pescott are flying down this afternoon to assist with the details.

''We are continuing with the fundraiser at the yacht club on Friday night as we do need funds to pay the hospital bills and the funeral costs.''

Khun Boo was struck down earlier this month while on a yacht delivery from Donsak to Phuket. His condition was critical by the time the rest of the crew managed to get him to a hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia.

Since then, after coming out of the coma briefly, he has been in an intensive care unit hooked up to various machines.

Khun Boo, was regarded as an institution in Phuket yachting around Chalong and a ''remarkable character.''

At the yacht club on Friday night, Tiger beers will be going for 50 baht for members and non-members alike.

There will be a raffle and a donation box, with other contributions welcome. Details: mick@octopusasia.com