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Nov 21, 2010, 6:42 AM
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EIGHT BELLS - Drake H. Sparkman III
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It is with profound sadness that I inform the sailing community of the passing Friday night of American Yacht Club’s (Rye, NY) beloved Commodore Drake H. Sparkman III.
Drake was a good friend of many in the world of sailing and his passion for sailing was instilled in his blood at an early age. His family was heavily involved in sailboat racing and design, and his grandfather Drake co-founded Sparkman & Stephens in 1929.
Drake was an exceptional racing and cruising sailor. He raced Etchells at American for many years, competing at the highest levels. He also competed in numerous offshore races to Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, The Vineyard Race, and the Pac Cup from San Francisco to Hawaii.
Perhaps his greatest gift to sailing was the many hours of volunteer time he committed. In addition to being the current Commodore at American, Drake served as a Trustee, and Chairman of both the Membership and Race Committees. In 2003, the club awarded him the Starkweather trophy for outstanding service to American Yacht Club.
His service extended beyond American Yacht Club. He served as a Vice President of the YRA of Long Island Sound. A longtime member of the Storm Trysail Club, Drake served many years as its Membership Chairman.
As yacht design was in his genes, he gave countless hours to, and served as a Trustee of, the Landing School in Arundel Maine, which provides educational programs that effectively prepare students for entry-level careers in the marine industry.
He also reached out to those with special needs. He was instrumental in establishing the American Yacht Club’s relationship with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital (Valhalla, NY).
In 2008, Drake was a leader in founding the Robie Pierce One-Design Regatta for sailors with disabilities - an annual event run each year jointly by American and Larchmont Yacht Club.
We ask that you keep his wife Heather and son Tucker in your thoughts and prayers. Drake was an exceptional person who was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.
Duncan P. Hennes
Vice Commodore
American Yacht Club
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