Former chief executive of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl), Mark Whitehead has died in his sleep weeks after retiring.

Whitehead, who retired on 7 March died while competing in the China Sea Race, had been the chief executive of Hactl for eight years before handing over to Wilson Kwong.

He was a member of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club for 35 years and served on the general committee and was commodore from 2014 to 2016.

The club says he was: “A force of energy and fun, he was a passionate sailor, spending most weekends class racing on Etchells and also a keen offshore sailor too competing in many offshore races on Orient Express and Straight Up, among others.”

It adds: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Rebecca, children Francesca and Charlie, to his fellow crew aboard Orient Express and to his many family and friends. He will be missed.”

Flags at the three clubhouses were flown at half-mast on 1 April.