TRIBUTES have been paid to Portland Port director and decorated Royal Navy commander, Rupert Best, who has died at the age of 76. Commander Best, who was a director of Portland Port UK, commanded the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Courageous during the Falklands conflict in 1982. He retired from the Royal Navy during the 1990s and would be instrumental in persuading Langham Industries to privately take over Portland Port from the Ministry of Defence in 1996 - and the subsequent formation of the Portland Harbour Authority. Friend and Portland Port UK colleague, Bill Reeves, said: Rupert served as director of Portland Port from its formation right up until his death.