A Very Sad Day

[Alan]

Today we heard the news that for the last couple of days the NZ sailing World has been dreading.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4870395 ... ear-Nelson

We will miss you Geoff

[Patrick Parisienne]

I never managed to meet Geoff, but I understand the profound effect he had on our sport, both on and off the water.

We have lost one of the good guys....

RIP Geoff....

[Dick Carver]

I met Geoff at the Vancouver Worlds. He was very friendly, and interesting to talk to.

He had several innovative parts on his rig that he was happy to show me, and explain the thought behind them.

At 30 years my senior, he was a far better sailor than I'll ever be.

My condolences to his friends and family.

Fair winds Geoff.

[Roy648]

http://nzradioyachtingassociation.co.nz/

[Marko Majic]

Terrible news indeed - one of the true sailing icons from the golden generation of sailing is gone. I feel privileged for having had a chance to meet him (also in Vancouver).

For those wishing to know more about Geoff - a great write-up in Sail-World:
http://www.sail-world.com/Canada/Geoff- ... neer/82301

My favourite quote from the article:

Geoff Smale treated life as one big learning experience in which the ideas and experimentation were just as important as the success.

Who wouldn't want to be remembered like that?

[Dick Carver]

A nice article from Bruce Kirby

Laser designer and Int 14 sailor pays tribute to Geoff Smale

http://www.sail-world.com/USA/Laser-des ... male/82434

[Alfonso]

I can’t remember in which championship I met Geoff for the first time, but I remember that the first thing I thought when I saw him was: I hope to have his energy and keep on sailing when I had the same age.

I believe that Geoff was the kind of person that had salt water instead of blood in his veins and I am sure that wherever he is now he keeps on sailing.