From www.starclass.org Human Interest Internationally known World Champion yachtsman Bill Munster passed away suddenly on December 11, 2014 in Bend, Oregon at the age of 76.
Bill was instrumental in fostering the growth of the Etchells class in San Diego, also serving as the class International President for many years. Bill crewed for Dennis Conner in the Etchells Worlds on two occasions. After finishing second in Fremantle, Australia in 1990 along with fellow crew mate Andreas Josenhans, Bill and Dennis brought in Norm Reynolds to win the 1991 Etchells World Championships on San Francisco Bay. Bill also skippered his own Etchells for many years, winning the San Diego Bay Fleet Championships and the coveted Orca Bowl among others. Bill served as Commodore of the San Diego Yacht Club in 1996. He also accepted US Sailing’s One Design Yacht Club of the Year award in 1999 to San Diego Yacht Club in recognition of his efforts to grow one design sailboat racing in San Diego and around the world. A man that lived a full life, always quick to tell a joke, often not concerned with political correctness yet someone his many friends knew always had their back. Fair winds our dear friend. – Andy La Dow ——————– A Celebration of Life will be held at San Diego Yacht Club on Saturday, January 31, 2015 a 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the SDYC Sailing Foundation/Jr. Program Endowment, 1011 Anchorage Lane, San Diego, CA 92106. _________ Reflections from Chuck Beek It looks like the E22 class has claimed him as their own. He did have a stellar career in our little boats. He was "discovered" by Charlie Lewsadder (NH), who had a real eye for talent, and was responsible for bringing up two other famous star crews. As I recall they teamed up in 1967 and intimidated the 5th district with the Munster Mini-hike. (I do believe this was the first time it was so called). Before foot straps, much less a harness, it looked impossible.
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