Eight Bells David Forbes
Like so many other Bay Area sailors, we were devastated to hear of the loss of David Forbes back in November. We crossed tacks with him many times on the water, on the docks, at boat shows, at “the office,” and in various committee meetings over many years. He was always upbeat and always helpful when it came to solving sailing’s issues of the day. When we were puzzling out a story perspective or looking for insights into the evolving world of sailing, David’s was a voice we sought out.
We’ll miss him on the docks at this weekend’s Corinthian Midwinters, where we often connected while he was crewing for the race weekend. He had both hustle and chill as he navigated his way through post-race analysis or calmly offered suggestions in boat show meetings. It’s always nice to connect with someone who’s happy to see you, David made everyone feel that way.
While we were reflecting on the loss, editor Monica Grant reminded us that it was David who connected us over a decade ago. We were shopping at the Sausalito West Marine, where David was the manager, when we asked if he knew anyone who might be able to help manage the annual Summer Sailstice celebration. David introduced us to Monica’s husband, Jay, who introduced us to Monica. Ten years later, we’re still working together with Monica, who now manages ‘Lectronic Latitude and edits much of our monthly Latitude 38 magazine.
It’s one of many small things that David did that led to bigger, better things for us. A memory of David is also offered in our Eight Bells section online and in the magazine, where others can also share memories of sailors who had a meaningful relationship with the West Coast sailing community. We find this a difficult new offering, but hope it is helpful to those who would like the chance to submit an Eight Bells remembrance for a sailing companion. It’s the joy of sailing the Bay and West Coast that makes all these memories possible.
Thanks, David, for all you did for us and sailors everywhere.
I am a yacht delivery skipper with over 250,000 miles, countless days, along with all the experiences around the world that I would have never had if not for David. It was David who changed the trajectory of my life when he invited me to come teach sailing at Club Nautique. He saw something in me I didn’t know I had. I now realize how much I owe that man…
David was an employee, competitor at Club Nautique, close friend, hard working volunteer colleague when we were both in volunteer leadership in US Sailing. Excellent sailor, instructor, sailing mentor; even better human being. I’ll let the Eight Bells contribution say the rest. the entire sail training community is in shock. He’ll be sorely missed.
David was a great man, father and sailor. Also lots of fun to be around! RIP David.
I met David on Bob Novy’s Frer 40 Jeanette. He was one of a very small group of racing tacticians that were able to both win races and at the same time keep the mood on the boat mellow and positive. His loss leaves a void in the racing community that affects many of us.
I am sad to hear of David’s passing. I met David ca 35 years ago when he was the school director at Club Nautique in Alameda. And then 20 years later after I had purchased my own boat when he was the store manager of West Marine in Sausalito. David always had good advice, was encouraging, friendly, with a great sense of humor. I learned a lot from him. He was a great ambassador for the sport of sailing. And a good man.
So glad to have known him and so sorry to see him go.
I knew him when he was at Club Nautique in Alameda, and then, when he was at West Marine in Oakland. A great guy! He always had a smile on his face (even when you could tell he was stressed) and he certainly had a real passion for sailing. 🙁
Farewell Good friend. Your smile, sense of humor and energy will be sorely missed by all who knew you.
For family reasons I left the Bay Area 5 years ago and lost track of David. His passing is a terrible loss to the Bay Area Sailing Community and to those who knew and loved him.
David and I worked together for years at West Marine. His energy and dedication to his crew and customers was exemplary. David loved sailing and he brought that every day to West Marine and wherever else he worked.
Over the years we became good friends and he introduced me to that English staple, Boddington’s ale. Which we shared swapping lies (I mean sea stories) and hatching plans.
One of the joys in my life was working with David and Kame Richards to help get some of the America’s Cup’s boats based in Alameda. David balanced his many responsibilities and was a driving force in our Alameda America’s Cup Committee. In the end Luna Rosa and Artemis picked Alameda for their bases. This was a major boost to the conversion of the closed Alameda Naval Air Station. Without David’s drive, people skills and energy this never would have happened
David loved sailing and wanted to expand it to kids who had never been exposed to sailing. Led by Kame Richards the Alameda Community Sailing Center is a great success story. David was one of the founding fathers and helped turn that dream into a reality.
There was lots of mischief in David’s soul and fortunately I got to share some of that with him. Like the time he talked me into buying a blue blazer so we could attend the Oracle Team’s party at the top of the Saint Francis Hotel. Down 8-1, we assumed we were going to a wake and were surprised when Russell Coutts and Jimmy Spithill said they were going to take it all. We had a merry time and assumed it was the champagne, but their prediction proved amazingly true.
David’s smile, quick wit, optimism and joy in sailing and in life will be missed by all of us who knew him. I am sure I am one of many who wished we could have told him that before he sailed away.