Deadly Accident During Sequoia YC Race

Two sailors were injured, one fatally, when the Catalina 42 Bella became entangled with a day mark during the first race of the Sequoia Yacht Club’s popular Wednesday night race series. A racer aboard another boat reported that Bella was sailing upwind on port tack in 15 knots of wind when a sail or shroud wrapped around the number 5 day mark, causing the forestay to snap and the mast to collapse into the cockpit. 

Although other boats that were racing stopped to offer assistance, shallow waters around the day mark prevented them from being able to reach the stricken vessel. Both of the injured sailors were ferried ashore by a US Geologic Service survey vessel, however, crewman Yong Son, 39, of Burlingame did not survive the accident. The other injured sailor, whose name has not been released, is hospitalized at Stanford Hospital. There were five sailors total aboard Bella during the race.

An eyewitnesses reported that the crew was preparing to tack when the boat or its gear struck the mark, and that a strong ebb current may have caused the crew to misjudge the speed with which they were closing on the mark. Police sources confirmed that Bella‘s skipper, Ted Eberle, passed a sobriety test after the accident.

According to Winston Bumpus, Commodore of the Sequoia YC, Eberle is a very accomplished sailor who is meticulous in his preparations and attention to maintenance. "We are all in shock," he said, noting that this was the first racing fatality in the club’s 75-year history. Sequoia YC has suspended racing for at least the next three weeks.

"The Sequoia Yacht Club is a family," added Bumpus. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are affected by this tragedy."