Eight Bells: Jeff Hammer

I am saddened by the sudden passing of a friend and sailor, Jeff Hammer. A resident of Huntington, NY, Jeff was at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City recovering from surgery when he died on April 6 at 68 years.

Jeff’s Tartan 10 Dreadlocks was a fixture on the western Long Island Sound PHRF racing circuit and a perennial trophy winner at the windy Manhasset Bay Fall Series. Dreadlocks’ faded blue gelcoat, makeshift rigging, and Jamaican battle flag reflected Hammer’s laid back style, but he always made sure he had new sails and a fast bottom.

Having fun was a priority on the race course and Pros and screamers were not allowed. We didn’t know if the engine would start or the mast would stay up but we always knew that after the race there would be a cold Heineken and deli sandwich in the cooler.

You were over the line early but you will always be with the leaders at the finish. – Dave Kellogg