In Memoriam: Sandra Tartaglino
Photo 1 we published of Sandra & Tripp Burd, at Newport 2012 AC45 Test Event back in 2012 by Gilles Martin Raget. #2 Sandra & Jonathan Farrar racing Nacra 17 by US sailing Media. #3 Sandra sailing Hobie 16 by Hobie Class Assoc –
Sad news from this weekend for the Catsailing community. Such a committed sailor like Sandra Tartaglino passing away on a Regatta she was participating & organizing it’s a real tragedy.
We didn’t knew Sandra personally but we’ve reported plenty of events where she participated from F18, Hobie , F16 and Nacra 17. Also found that great photo above with the AC45s at Newport.
A complete and dedicated Catsailor no doubt. Below deserved tribute from the US F18 & International Hobie Assocs remembering her in due form.
Sail On Sandra –
US F18: Sandra Tartaglino passed away
With a very heavy heart, on behalf of the USF18 Class and entire sailing community, we would like to pass our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Sandra Tartaglino who passed away yesterday after a tragic collision with a motorboat during the New England 100 regatta in Newport, RI.
Sandra had organized this 30th anniversary event and she was at the very first one 30 years ago. Her parents were on site Saturday night for their annual support of providing their famous Stuffed Quahogs. As always, she was giving back to the sport which she loved so much.
Sandra was actively serving as USF18 Class Treasurer which she held for many years, her presence will be impossible to be replace. She always went above and beyond in the interest of the class and anyone that needed her help. Her support was instrumental in many events in the Northeast and all throughout the country.
Sandra loved catamaran sailing so much that she sailed anything from Nacra 6.0s in the Worrell 1000, Hobie 16s to Nacra 17s and more, she was a true competitor. She actively competed and placed in many major Championships.
Always thinking of others, she would bring brownies to give away during pack up at nearly every event. In 2014, when she couldn’t make it to the F18 North American Championships in Texas, she mailed a giant batch of her famous brownies to her fellow sailors and friends. A true testament to how caring of a person she was.
Just one week ago she handily won the Buzzards Bay Regatta on her F18 and this past weekend she was organizing the regatta in which this accident occurred.
Sandra was an amazing woman, tough competitor, and dear friend we all learned so much from her on and off the water. While she passed away doing what she loved, she was taken far too soon and will be truly missed.
Thank you for everything Sandra. Fair Winds and may you rest in peace.
International Hobie Class Assoc: Sandra Tartaglino
With lots of sadness and tears at my house, I wanted to report on the passing of member of the Hobie family, Sandra Tartaglino.
I received a phone call within hours of the incident yesterday but felt it was best to wait and be sure her family was notified and we had more details before making any statement. After a night without much sleep, I had to go to and work and many have already expressed their condolences. The US F18 class in particular posted a touching statement, that I can’t top but on the behalf of the Hobie class perhaps I can share some remembrances.
Sandra died in a boating accident doing something she loved, racing her sailboat. While competing in the New England 100 on her F18 she was struck by a motorboat. It was a senseless and tragic accident that has us all saying “why”. She structured her life around sailboat racing and was active in a number of classes, F18, Nacra 17, Hobie 16 and Snipe. She was a person who always seemed happy and never had a bad word to say, as you can guess she had many friends. Sandra would call all her friends at Christmas. She didn’t really use social media; instead she got to know you in person.
Sandra was an avid practitioner of yoga. She doted on her nieces and nephews, she made quilts, and in the sailing world she stitched up people’s harnesses, life jackets and trampolines. She gave you her full attention when you were talking and in many ways, she also stitched up whatever was on our minds and our hearts.
We will miss her.
Details regarding the funeral will be posted when we receive them.
