The Magothy River SA is grieving the loss of a friend and racing sailor following last Wednesday's windstorm and accident. In 30-knot squall conditions, Ralph Reitan, past commodore of the YC of Cape St. Clair and skipper of the Tartan 10 Wabbit, fell overboard during the difficult windward leg. He was able to grab the life ring thrown to him by a following boat, Colin McKenzie's 39-foot Beagle. In challenging conditions, the crew pulled him on board and discovered the need to perform CPR. The paramedics met the race boat at the Ulmstead marina and rushed Reitan to Anne Arundel Medical Center. He passed away that night.
The MRSA will conduct an honorary ceremony for Reitan on Wednesday, May 28 at 5:50 p.m. at the start of Wednesday night racing on the Magothy River. The ceremony will include a flag raising and lowering to half-mast and a starboard-tack parade over the starting line. Crews will stand shoulder-to-shoulder, hats in hand, each wearing solid white or solid navy to represent Wabbit's hull. Boats will cross loosely grouped by fleet. Non-racing boats are welcome to participate.
"We extend our deep regrets and condolences to the Reitan family," says Ed Poe, MRSA commodore. "We will reflect on our own safety procedures and do our best to learn from this tragic event and to make our sailing better and safer in honor of Ralph and his family and crew."
For further information about the ceremony, please call Angelo Guarino at (410) 507-7496.
~Molly Winans
