An active sailor and longtime supporter of the sport tragically died from a collision during a regatta on Sunday, August 11 near the Claiborne Pell Bridge in Newport, R.I. Sandra G. Tartaglino, 60, of Tiverton, R.I, will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know her.
Sandra was actively serving as USF18 Class Treasurer which she held for many years. The USF18 posted the following on their Facebook page to pay tribute to Sandra and her contributions to sailing.
Here is the excerpt from the Facebook post on Monday, August 12:
With a very heavy heart, on behalf of the USF18 Class and entire sailing community, we would like to pass our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Sandra Tartaglino who passed away yesterday after a tragic collision with a motorboat during the New England 100 regatta in Newport, RI.
Sandra had organized this 30th anniversary event and she was at the very first one 30 years ago. Her parents were on site Saturday night for their annual support of providing their famous Stuffed Quahogs. As always, she was giving back to the sport which she loved so much.
Sandra was actively serving as USF18 Class Treasurer which she held for many years, her presence will be impossible to be replace. She always went above and beyond in the interest of the class and anyone that needed her help. Her support was instrumental in many events in the Northeast and all throughout the country.
Sandra loved catamaran sailing so much that she sailed anything from Nacra 6.0s in the Worrell 1000, Hobie 16s to Nacra 17s and more, she was a true competitor. She actively competed and placed in many major Championships.
Always thinking of others, she would bring brownies to give away during pack up at nearly every event. In 2014, when she couldn’t make it to the F18 North American Championships in Texas, she mailed a giant batch of her famous brownies to her fellow sailors and friends. A true testament to how caring of a person she was.
Just one week ago she handily won the Buzzards Bay Regatta on her F18 and this past weekend she was organizing the regatta in which this accident occurred.
Sandra was an amazing woman, tough competitor, and dear friend we all learned so much from her on and off the water. While she passed away doing what she loved, she was taken far too soon and will be truly missed.
Thank you for everything Sandra. Fair Winds and may you rest in peace.