John McLaughlin, also known to a lot of us as “Hollywood” for his TV-star smile, was a great sailor and friend and he will be deeply missed. John was always willing to teach someone new to sailing the ropes and encouraged them to get better. That’s what he did for me and I was fortunate to able to sail with him in some of the best distance races of the day from the Down the Bay race to the Worrell 1000. He always had a huge smile, even in the worst weather. In fact, I really think the harder it blew, the bigger his smile got. And when it was over he would say “that was some kick butt sailing”. Nancy and his family have our deepest condolences.

I will miss you my friend sail fast.