Tragic Accident at Centerport Yacht Club
This notice was emailed on July 19 to the JSA member junior sailing programs, and is being shared here with the JSA of LIS community.
To JSA Junior Program Leaders and Club Chairs,
The JSA community is saddened to learn about the death of a junior sailor in a powerboat accident at the Centerport Yacht Club junior sailing program on Tuesday July 18. This is a very difficult time for junior sailing, and the sailing community as a whole, as we are all grieving this loss together.
Please take a moment today at your junior sailing program to discuss this event with your sailors and instructors. We know that this is a very sad time for these young people. Please let them know that they are on our minds and in our thoughts. In addition please review your program safety procedures and plans for response to an emergency.
The JSA has created a management team who will be following the details about this accident as they are disclosed, and we expect to prepare a report for the JSA membership to understand what lessons may be learned.
We will be sending you a letter of support to the parents in your programs, and a separate letter to your instructors, which we would like you to disseminate upon receipt. See footnote
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young sailor and the Centerport Yacht Club community. We encourage all JSA member clubs to fly their flags at half-mast.
Sincerely,
Karen Quirke and Pedro Lorson
JSA of LIS Co-Chairpersons
Footnote: the letters of support mentioned above were emailed to the JSA member junior sailing programs later on July 19. The letters may be viewed here: Parent letter and Instructor letter.
