Mark Rudiger – Friend in Need

He’s not the type of guy who would unduly worry people with bad news, but the fact is that the great Bay Area sailor Mark ‘Rudi’ Rudiger has been battling lymphoma for several years now. Rudiger, 53, was first diagnosed in 2004, but responded well to treatment and was soon back doing what he does best: navigating big boats across oceans and around the world. As late as last year, he guided Brack Duker’s SC70 Holua to a second in division in TransPac, and a first in division in the Vallarta Race.

Mark has navigated 14 TransPac races, sailed two Singlehanded TransPacs, navigated Paul Cayard’s Volvo 60 EF Language to victory in the ‘97-98 Volvo Ocean Race and co-skippered another V-60, Assa Abloy, to second place in the ‘01-02 edition of that crewed round-the-world race. His resume also includes five ‘barn door’ first-to-finish TransPacs, two Sydney-Hobart first-to-finish placings, and a first to finish in the inaugural Daimler-Chrysler Transatlantic race. He also has sailed regularly on various ocean racers, including Sayonara, Pegasus, Genuine Risk and Moneypenny.

With all that, he is one of the most genuine, generous and down-to-earth guys you will ever meet, and one of the best role models this sport has seen — ever. He is also a longtime friend of many of us here at Latitude 38.

Mark recently had a relapse and is back at Kaiser Hospital in Roseville. His wife Lori sent out the following statement: “We are at a critical point here in California and need your support. Mark is in the hospital but hanging tough. He strongly believes in the power of positive energy. This is the time for it to help him through the next few days. He can fight this but we can help. Thanks for your support and for your good thoughts.”

Many of Mark’s friends and fellow sailors have asked what more they can do. As the family is encountering many extraordinary expenses, a non-profit emergency fund has been set up by Jim Swartz, owner of Moneypenny. Donations are tax deductible and 100% of the funds will be used to pay certain expenses as directed by Mark. Donations can be made as follows: Christian Center of Park City, P.O. Box 683480, 1100 Iron Horse Drive, Park City, UT 84060 (attn: Emergency Assistance Fund, for benefit of Mark Rudiger).

We hope you will join us in sending your thoughts and prayers to Mark. Hang in there, buddy!