Joseph Oscar Phillips, born 7 April 1924, died in Sheffield on 22 November 1983.

From Sheffield Star, 28 Sep 1972:

Frustrated seaman Joe Phillips was still land-locked today at Canal Wharfe, Sheffield, though the High Commissioner of Jamaica had just arrived to wish him 'Bon voyage' on his planned world trip.

For Joe, aged 48, of Naylor Road, Oughtibridge, Sheffield who has built his own craft Hunter 77, had to postpone his voyage because of engine trouble.

Joe's ambition to sail around the world and also visit his home-town in Jamaica was frustrated two years ago at a similar launching when his boat began to sink.

On board the boat, which has taken eight years to build, the High Commissioner, Sir Laurence Lindo told Joe: 'I am sure you will get back to Jamaica and when you do there will be flags waving and drums bearing and I hope I am there to greet you.

Deaconess Madge Saunders, President of the West Indian Association said she thought Mr Phillips would be one of Jamaica’s national heros when he eventually succeeded.

Mr Phillips told The Star 'I cannot say exactly when the boat will be ready to sail but I hope it will only be a few months.'

For a BBC Radio Sheffield news recording of this event see Sheffield City Archives ref. SY425/A/7209/3.

See also Coventry Evening Telegraph, 3 March 1970 (page 9) which includes a photograph of Phillips with the caption: On board the boat it has taken him six years top build is Mr Joe Philips of Naylor Road, Oughtibridge, near Sheffield, a 46-year old engineer from Jamaica. He is almost ready for a round-the-world voyage in her, and believes he will be the first coloured man to make the attempt. The craft is a 65-ton all-steel schooner over 60 ft long. Mr Phillips hopes to set off on his two year trip to this summer and plans to visit relatives in Ceylon, India and his home town in Jamaica.