THE family of one of the Cheeki Rafiki’s missing British yachtsmen paid tribute to their son yesterday, taking comfort from the fact that he was doing something “he really loved.”

Hopes of finding the four men, who were sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, faded on Friday after the capsized vessel was found with its life raft still on board.

The heartbreaking discovery led to the US Coast Guard calling off its search for experienced captain Andrew Bridge and crew members Steve Warren, Paul Goslin and James Male.

Paying tribute to Mr Male, his family said: “James was a passionate sailor, surfer, kayaker and all-round water sport enthusiast as well as being a keen snowboarder and outdoor instructor.

“He loved being in the outdoors and on the water teaching new skills to people. We must therefore try to take some comfort in the knowledge that he was doing something he really loved.”