Mount Maunganui Surf Lifesaving Club was bursting at the seams today as crowds of people turned out to farewell yachtie Richard Spraggs.

In memory of the former surf shop designer's relaxed approach to life people came clad in Hawaiian shirts and jandals to honour the 58-year-old sailor who died in Thailand earlier this month.

Crowds of people turned out at Mount Maunganui Surf Club today for Richard Spraggs' funeral.

Spraggs, as he was known to friends, was a long time Mount Maunganui resident who moved to Thailand in 2011.

He was onboard his yacht La Zingara moored in Chalong Bay in Phuket on January 26 when he died attempting to prevent a collision with another vessel.

Chalong Police say Richard lost his balance while trying to fend off a nearby boat from his yacht during a storm. He hit his head on the boat as he fell, lost consciousness and fell into the water, where he drowned.

His business Ageless Continuous Spouting Ltd was struck off in November 2011, about when Richard also sold his house and left to live in Phuket on board La Zingara.

As his daughter Stevie told assembled guests today Richard was where he wanted to be and doing what he wanted to be doing.

For many years Richard ran a more or less open house at 53 Orkney Road where he was generous with his time and hospitality for a wide circle of friends.