Accident at Superyacht Challenge Antigua

Sam Richmond

After being injured in training on March 8 before the 2022 Superyacht Challenge Antigua, Sam Richmond has passed away. Richmond was onboard the Farr-designed 102-foot Farfalla, built by Southern Wind and launched in 2014.

The British sailor took to the sport in an Optimist at the age 6 and continued on to sail 420s and 49ers. His transition from sailing as a hobby to working in the industry started as a sailing instructor in Spain, followed by coaching National Youth Squads.

In 2004, Sam started racing big boats on the Swan 48 Jacobite, which led to racing worldwide on many different racing boats from Etchells and Quarter Tonners to Superyachts. In 2011, Sam joined North Sails as a salesman dealing primarily with Solent-based racing boat projects. He recently became North Sails’ Head of Sales for Europe.

But when part of Farfalla runner system rigging failed, Sam incurred a head injury, He was taken to hospital before being medically evacuated to Florida where he died on March 10. Farfalla did not compete in the event on March 10-13 which was open to superyachts in excess of 30 metres.

“He was so well loved by me, his daughters Maisie and Martha, his family and the most amazing circle of friends anybody could aspire to have,” said his wife, Colette Richmond. “Wherever you are Sam I hope you are near the sea with a glass of rosé in your hand.”

At Sunset on March 11, the yachting community in Antigua sounded their horns as an act of remembrance to one of the loveliest guys in sailing. On March 13, a Remembrance Procession was observed by all competing yachts before the start of the final race of the regatta.

Colette asks for memories and photos to be sent to sharing@sammemories.com.

To view onboard video taken the day before the accident, click here.