Forquer Will be Sorely Missed

The flood of emails and phone calls which reached us yesterday after we posted the news of Jim Forquer’s tragic death is a good indicator of how much this well-known sailor will be missed. Friends from the California and Mexico sailing communities, as well as former associates from within the high tech industry, were equally stunned by the news that this Newport Beach-based sailor had been found dead early Monday morning at the Isla Navidad Marina.

Having now talked with several first-hand sources, let us clarify the details. Jim’s  52-ft cat Legato was laying over at Isla Navidad temporarily, while awaiting the arrival of additional crew. Sunday evening Jim dined with good friends aboard the motoryacht Beseme, leaving at approximately 11:30 p.m. to walk home to Legato on C Dock — a trip of about 200 yards which he had made many times before.

About halfway along that distance, a 12-inch-high curb interrupts the walkway, defining the edge of a launch ramp below. It appeared obvious to friends on the scene that Jim simply did not see the curb — the walkway was unlit at the time — and toppled onto the concrete ramp, 8 to 10 feet below.

Jim’s dead body was found shortly before 8 a.m. on Monday morning by a security guard. According to friends, Jim had not been drinking heavily and there is no suspicion of foul play. All indications are that it was simply a tragic mishap. An autopsy is pending.

Having retired young after many successes in his field, Jim seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his new cruising lifestyle. He’d made many new friends in the sailing community, and was well respected as a competent sailor who often shared his knowledge and technical expertise. He will indeed be sorely missed by many.