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In Memoriam Tim Grady 1942-2026

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, our Lightning community, in particular our Classic Lightning community, lost one of our long-time members, Tim Grady, of Titusville, Florida.

From Bob Astrove:

I first met Tim maybe 15 to 18 years ago in Charleston, SC as he was contemplating building a new wooden Lightning.  And build it he did. 

Tim’s vision was to build a practical boat with modern rigging: set up to both daysail in a comfortable style as well as sail the occasional race. His #15477 was named Peregrine. It was a beautiful light blue boat with a Peregrine Falcon emblazoned on his spinnaker. Tim’s rigging diagrams are regularly shared with others as a guide to setting up a boat, and can be found at www.astrove.net/rigging/.   Other sailors who take advantage of Tim’s work will help preserve the legacy of his contributions to our community as well as remind us of that endless ear to ear smile he always wore.

Tim’s boat is the most recent home build to have been granted an official measurement certificate by the Lightning Chief Measurer.  Tim requested the Class Office, Roger Slade, and me to help to find a good home for his boat when he learned his health condition wasn’t going to allow him to use it any longer.  The boat is now cared for by Kevin Gahagan and a member of the Keuka Lake Fleet in Finger Lakes region of New York.

Over the years I attended several regattas with Tim. He will be remembered as a wonderful friend, and quite a skilled craftsman.  We met up in New York, Virginia, South Carolina and multiple locations in Florida.  We will miss him badly.

2014 Deep South Wooden Boat Contingent – Tim Grady #15477 Left and Corky Gray #7592 Right.

From Laura Jeffers:

I am so grateful our paths crossed. Tim’s passion for woodworking and creating things along with his love of the water and sailing made building a Lightning kismet. Tim didn’t just build a boat; he built many friendships through that process. Some of my favorite memories include the first day I met Tim. He traveled to Tarpon Springs to look at 14777 so he could study the rigging to bring back to 15477. He and Will spent a couple hours in the boat, in the driveway taking photos, measurements and made many notes. Then we went for a Greek Lunch on the Sponge Docks. From that day on, when I would see Tim’s name pop up on the phone or via an email it would make me smile. I recall his excitement on trailering his boat from FL to Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, NY for the Classic Boat Get Together. There he sailed with his son Bobby and granddaughter Ashleigh. He enjoyed sailing 15477 Peregrine on Lake Monroe in Sanford, FL and was active with the Lake Monroe Sailing Association. He was always eager to help at the Club. His small-scale Lightning Baby Cradle brought young Emmitt joy, and the custom Lightning Corn Hole boards provided hours and hours of fun for Lightning sailors. What I will remember most about Tim is his smile. He smiled a lot; he enjoyed life and those around him. Tim will be missed by many.

Tim with son Bobby and granddaughter Ashleigh in Keuka 2016 and then Tim Grady and crew at the 2014 Florida Districts, Lake Monroe.

———-

Tim Grady, 84, of Titusville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Born in Powell, Wyoming Tim spent just a short time there before his family relocated to Billings, Montana, where they lived for 10 years. The family later settled in San Francisco, where Tim graduated from George Washington High School. During his school years, he was known as a talented athlete and standout basketball player.

Following graduation, Tim answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, serving honorably for four years. He carried the discipline and dedication gained through military service into a lifelong pursuit of education and professional achievement.

Tim earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Central Florida before continuing his studies and obtaining his Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. He went on to build a successful career with Texas Instruments, where he worked as a technical trainer, sharing his knowledge and mentoring others throughout his profession.

Outside of work, Tim embraced life with curiosity, skill, and enthusiasm. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and sailing, with a particular passion for craftsmanship. He proudly built his own sailboat by hand, dedicating countless hours to woodworking and perfecting every detail. Tim was also an avid baseball fan who loyally supported the home teams of whichever community he lived in over the years. Some of his families’ most treasured memories were family nights spent taking his children to baseball games.

Tim was preceded in death by his siblings, Sharon and Mike.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 24 years, Patricia Grady; his sister, Carol; his children, Chuck, Ken, Monica, and Bobby; and seven beloved grandchildren, all of whom will remember his intelligence, steady presence, humor, and deep devotion to family.

In keeping with Tim’s wishes, no services will be held.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

——

Tim was talented at documenting his projects. See Astrove’s link above with rigging diagrams. Read the article on building Lightning #15477 on page 46 in the Flashes 2013 Winter Issue or the creation of the small-scale Lightning Baby Cradle on page 40 in Flashes 2015 Winter Issue or his article on Weighing a boat by Tim Grady

In Memoriam – Joseph Thomas Waters III 1954-2026

Joseph Thomas Waters, 71, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away May 15, 2026, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia. He was born on November 13, 1954, in Charleston, South Carolina to Tom and Joye (Angel) Waters.

Joe was born to sail. He started sailing at age seven and didn’t stop his entire life. Joe sailed many boat types throughout his 64+ years in sailing. His sailing experience included sailing for the Citadel, Y-Flyer, Catalina 22, Capri 22, San Juan 21 National Championships, J24s, Raider Sailboats, etc. Joe started his sailing career at Helms Yachts, then opening WatersSails in 1985. Joe coached the 1996 Russian Olympic Team where they placed 2nd (their first Olympic medal). Joe created fast, designer sails but more than that he shared his knowledge of sailing freely, he had an enthusiasm for sailing that was infectious. Joe was larger than life, a good friend to everyone he met.

Joe met Linda at the Turkey Shoot Hospice Regatta on the Chesapeake Bay and married at the same regatta in 2010. They both enjoyed sailing and the outdoors (camping), the beach and road trips. Joe also enjoyed spending time with his Jack Russell Terriers, Cooper, Dally, Henry and Otis.

You are loved forever; you’re in my heart always. Godspeed Joe, til we meet again.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Linda M. Waters, stepdaughter, Caitlin Meneghini (Cameron Wallace), stepson, Jonathan Meneghini (Lacy), Henry and Otis (Joe and Linda’s Jack), and sister, Cindy Evans (Mike).

He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother.

A “Celebration of Life” for Joe is being planned for later this summer or early fall. Details will be sent via Facebook and email.

Memorials may be made to “Raintree Jacks” Jack Russell Rescue in honor of Joe Waters, 1913 Watkins Rd. Cassatt, SC 29032.

72nd Annual Mug Race 2026

The weather forecast looked either brutal or fantastic depending on your sailing nature.  15 to 24 knots with puffs into the 30s and beyond from the southwest.  The fastest possible wind direction for the primarily north to northeast 38 mile course.  The approaching front was to include lightning and temps into the 50s. The registered turnout was the lowest I’ve seen and the LMSA contingent was small as well.  Wicklow Way with Rich, Andiamo with John and Andy on Show Me. Scott M., Gabe, Louis and Max filled the crew spots.

Some of the sailors were thinking record times and others broken boat parts.  52 boats were registered but only 38 started.  The RC staff was understandable anxious for the safety of the sailors and issued strong warnings and weather plans should you brave it on the river.

After our usual Friday night shenanigans at Steamboat Willies and much good natured trash talk we retired for some limited rest .  Saturday morning brought exactly the opposite of the forecast.  Very light breezes from the southwest and east until the front arrived 5 hours in.  Some of us foolishly had hoped to finish by then.  First the thunder and lightning came in, about 1:30 the first of the heavy air.  Those who could, reduced sail and continued, some found a shoreline refuge for a while. The heavy air lasted about 3 hours or so and hull speed was the norm.  Some 30 plus came in  but only for short periods. The wind clocked from southwest to the north and we sailed close hauled the entire time. Ed Sims from Ocala, Rich and Andy were in a group that could see each other through the rain and mist. We all finished around 5 with 1 half mile of each other.  ED then Rich and Andy in that order.

 27 boats finished with no serious sailor or boat issues, one A cat turtled and dismasted and was towed in.  Rich and Andy took firsts in class, John second.  Rich also got the Markland Trophy for first cruiser in corrected time.

After a stop in Crescent City to christen our mugs with beer, we drove back and collapsed on the couch.

Let’s get some more LMSA boats to this great event next year!

Mac Race 2025

One sailor’s perspective on the Chicago to Mackinac Race 2025. 

After extensive  boat prep and reconfiguration, Alan drove Blue, his 33 foot Farrier trimaran, up to Chicago, rigged it and flew back to work.  Jim and I met at the boat the day before the race and finished last minute details. Alan joined us later Friday night and we were ready for the 2 pm Saturday start.

A front with some wind and rain passed through the starting area during the 4 hour starting window, 24 classes 10 minutes apart, 285 boats and 2500 sailors. We started on time, the last class at 2, after a rainy pre race.  With tail winds from the south the first 4 hours we had nice easy spinnaker jibes.  Next up a big wind hole, nearly all the boats stopped as we waited for the promised wind shift from the North, we were so sure of it that we stowed the chute…by the way, never stow the chute. Of course the shift didn’t come for several hours and we worked ourselves into a 12 miles deficit to our nemesis Nelda Ray almost immediately.

The next 40 hours or so consisted of beating to the north against headwinds and rollers that fetched from the length of the lake. Multihulls don’t like upwind or 4 foot rollers on the nose. Imagine driving over your favorite speed bump at 50 mph several times a minute for 40 hours. We knew we were in last place and had many friends and family watching, so we kept working. The nights were long and wet due to the sea state, but the sky was milky way clear and at least I enjoyed the 60 degree temps.  Alan and I decided we didn’t want fleet position updates but I think Jim was keeping track quietly when we got close enough to land for cell service. We actually never saw any other multihulls for the last 50 hours of the race.  

We passed 2 more mini wind holes and one big one on Monday morning. We put up the screecher, kept creeping along still 80 some miles from the finish. The upwind work continued all day, 5-6 knots with gradual relief from the rollers, beautiful 75 degree temps and stunning upper Michigan scenery. At some point during that time I remember Jim saying ” everyone else is tired, we have to push now.” Of course we were really fresh ourselves with 3 or 4, 45 minute naps a day.  

Finally, we got our chance just at sunset when the water got flat.  We were still heading due north when the wind swung around to the southeast. We had played with the double slot setup, a seldom used configuration using 2 headsails trimmed in unison, early in the day during the big wind hole. We decided that now was the time to try something different, so we set up the sails and It was unbelievable, double slotted we went from 6 to 16 knots, flying along for about 10 miles passing 20 or 30 boats, all monohulls. Quite exciting, and  it created enough adrenaline to keep us awake and sharp for the last 20 miles.  Alan had to drive perfect tell tales for the next 12 miles to get us under the famous Mackinac Bridge without tacking, which he did and we just beat a Great Lakes freighter to the bridge. Tacking to get under the bridge would have put a 4 story ship moving at 11 knots just upwind of us for the last 5 miles. Bearing away we braced for a 12 knot blast toward a pitch black finish line crowded with other boats finishing, not for the faint of heart. We finished at 1:15 am Tuesday approx. 58 hours in. Using our last wits to drop sails and tie up in a busy dark place, we still had no idea how we had finished until Lindy Moore ran up and screamed we had moved from last to second place, passing our 2 closest rivals at the end. Stunned and slap happy we enjoyed a well deserved last call beverage from the famous Pink Pony watering hole. Something all sailors should experience.

The award party was a celebration with our comrades from other boats, friends and family that had joined us. Alan and crew brought 2 trophy flags back to LMSA. 2nd  and in class and 3rd in the Multihull fleet. 

Thanks to all for your support and encouragement, 

Andy

2025 February Coffee Talk with Commodore

February ‘Coffee w/ Commodore JW’ spotlight, Bill Holstein. First sail: Prindle 16 Catamaran (’83), U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine officer (’85), ASA Keel Boat sailing instructor (2010), SORC Miami to Cuba race (2017)– “Sailing is always a great escape!”

2024 February 16-18 – Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series St Petersburg, Florida

Intense racing and close standings set the stage for an exciting regatta in St. Pete! With the northeasterly wind kicking up a significant sea state on the second day of the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series St. Petersburg, teams endured physically demanding upwind legs and exhilarating downwind sailing — especially on the long 18 mile long distance race. What a ride! Congrats to Steve Hayden and Angie Rimes Hayden on SHARKRIDER for winning their race!

This is such a fun regatta on and off the water! Put this on your regatta schedule for next year and be prepared for some Mt. Gay RUM drinks and a fabulous time!

TEAM LMSA: Rich Gailey Gabriel Caldwell Andy Forrest, Max Perez, Derek McColl, Maximilian Neidhardt and Jim White on HOT STUFF.

Larry Harrington Nancy Harrington, Allister James, Jose Acunna,

and Olivier Fleury on CRAIC’N.

Results: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=16265

St. Petersburg Yacht ClubSailing World Regatta Series

September 30, 2023 – Crescent City Yacht Club – Bear Island.

The weather didn’t look very promising with a few “frontal boundaries” looming. Meteorologist Mike Loughlin was doing weather analysis and expecting the worst. The 12 mile distance race around Bear Island on Crescent Lake was being revived after a multi year hiatus, but the pouring rain was discouraging to all but the optimistic folks at the Crescent City Yacht Club. The start was postponed for an hour to wait for a break between rain lines. RC is always right and the race started a little after 12 in light shifty breezes. Only 4 boats were left to sail after some sailors thought better of sailing in a likely squall. We got lucky though and were rewarded with some great sailing in all types of wind and no rain at all. It turns out that reading the SIs and attending the skipper’s meeting are valuable. Gene on C-22 Game Over missed a good chance at the monohull trophy by sailing the wrong course. Show Me with Mike and Commodore Jim aboard took advantage of the miscue and got the prize. Ed Sims from.Ocala pushed us to the very end as usual. John and Alan on John’s new Nacra were the show stoppers though and took line honors and the overall Trophy, a golden Goat Skull on a beautiful wooden plaque. Winning by about 27 minutes. Congrats to LMSA for a 1,2 finish. Hospitality for the gathering at the famous 3 Bananas was outstanding as usual, what a perfect venue, on and off the water.

Thanks to Mike, Pete and all the great folks at Crescent City for another memorable Regatta, We’ll be back next year.

Andy

September 1, 2023.A recap of the Halifax Yacht Club Starlight Regatta, by Andy Forrest.

Our crew for Craic’n consisted of Nancy, Larry, Jose, Allister and me.

There were perfect sailing conditions at the race start. 10 to 12 knots out of the east. Nine boats were registered for the 6pm start. The race started at the NSB sea buoy passed near the Main Street Pier in Daytona then to the St. Augustine inlet sea buoy. Roughly 55 nm. The race was divided into 2 segments, the start to the Main Street Pier was the first, then up to the finish at St. Augustine. Each segment counted as an individual race. The sea state was interesting due to the recent hurricanes. We had steady 5 foot rollers from the ENE with occasional larger ones. The point of sail changed very little during our 9.5 hour sail. A deep beam reach for the “Sprint” to the first mark, 10 nm or so, and a close reach for the duration. The wind kicked up to 20 or so for a few hours after sunset. We took turns at the helm and on the rail during this long drag race. The longer boats pulled steadily away from us due to their higher hull speeds, we had to hope our higher rating would be enough to score well. No tacks or jibes during the race were needed, so we settled in for a long test of endurance. We had a few rudder kick up problems, due to a run in with the channel bottom during the motor out to the race course. These caused some tense moments as we hove to and Larry hung off the transom to relower the rudder. The rail crew got frequent salt water dousings as the rollers crashed into the hull. A long wet ride up front. The full moon rose and finally broke through the clouds to give a beautiful sky and light to see. As we approached the inlet for the finish, we struggled to find the sea buoy. There are many lights on the shore and the GPS mark is a rough estimate because they move it as the sands shift. Finally at 3:25am we found it and recorded our finish time. This is a keep your own time race like our Wednesday races. The post race sail down the inlet was by far the most exciting event of the entire regatta. Under main only we sailed dead downwind amid frequent 10 foot plus following rollers. Several startling jibes in the troughs and a near broach woke us up fully. Larry skillfully brought us through the danger and we docked at about 5am. Tired but no injuries to the boat or crew. Nancy and Larry attended the presentation at the St. Augustine Yacht Club on Saturday evening where results were announced for a Performance Class 3rd for the “Sprint” and 5th for the long haul race.

I would like to mention that Nancy and Larry prepped the boat perfectly for this night race. We had proper jack lines, harnessed pfds with strobes,whistles and tethers. They bought a lifesling and had an EPIRB aboard. Strict life safety practices were observed, which made the crew feel very secure. Thanks for a great ride.

The Meehan Cup Regatta, September 3, 2023

by Nancy Harrington

Larry and I stayed on until Sunday for the Meehan Cup Regatta, sponsored by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. Guest crew were my sister Marianne and her husband Matt, as our regular crew went home for their well earned rest. Due to continued rough conditions out the inlet, the race was held on the river. It was a windward-leeward course with 4 laps for the performance class. It was a beautiful day with shifty 10-15 mph winds. Despite our exhaustion after Friday’s all night race, we managed a 2nd place finish behind Rockstar, a local SAYC boat!

Overall, we had a great weekend sailing in the HRYC Starlight Regatta and the SAYC Meehan Memorial Cup Regatta. Thanks are in order to our great crew of Allister, Jose & Andy who persevered through a long and wet night during the Starlight Regatta and our novice guest crew of Marianne & Matt for the Meehan Cup Regatta!!

Nancy

August 30, 2023 – Recap of the 2023 Corsair Nationals Team LMSA onboard Knot Yet Owner & Skipper Alan Moore Andy Forrest in the pit and Jim Goempel bow.

New for 2020, a series of interviews with LMSA members. Check back often to learn about your fellow sailors!

• November 2020 – Jeff Hayden
• October 2020 – Allister James
• September 2020 – Scott Marriott
• August 2020 – Rich Gailey
• July 2020 – Lia Ku
• June 2020 – Patti Miller
• May 2020 – Bill Blalock
• April 2020 – Mike Loughlin
• March 2020 – Andy Forrest
• February 2020 – Tony Porterfield
• January 2020 – Jim Goempel