Jim Kilroy passes away

[Island Time 1,252]

From Sailing Anarchy:

kilroy was there

Best known for his straight talk and perhaps the most beautiful ocean racing boat in history, Jim Kilroy died last night in hospice care according to multiple sources. The Alaska-born Californian became one of California’s most successful real estate owner/developers, but his passion for the sea never dimmed.

 

Jim’s memoir is a lot like the man; brash and honest with a touch of vainglory; buy a copy and read one of the most interesting sailing/business stories around; Jim donated all proceeds of that book to youth causes, including sailing.

 

Here’s one tribute from Aussie SA’er ‘recidivist’: “In the bar of the CYCA after a Southern Cross Cup race back in the early 70′s (in which race Ted Turner cheekily put American Eagle inside Kialoa on a mark rounding – without rights), Ted entered the bar to be greeted by Jim Kilroy lifting him off the ground by his shirtfront and saying “You ever try that again and you’ll have 2 f**king six-metres”. Jim put him back down and walked out.”

 

Here’s another, from ‘Hitchhiker’: When asked if maxi racing isn’t a rich man’s sport, Jim said, “No. there’s one rich man aboard and 25 poor men, and they enjoy it more than the rich man does!”

 

Share your own Kilroy and/or Kialoa stories, pics, or what have you in what should be a legendary thread about a legendary man.

[SloopJohnB 322]

For more memories of the great man and his boats.

 

http://www.kialoa-us1.com/Pages/default.aspx

[smithy09 50]

Yachting needs more Jim Kilroys. RIP.