Eight Bells: Penny Simmons

Published on October 3rd, 2024

Penny Simmons

Notable Bermudian champion Eugene Scott “Penny” Simmons passed away at 85 years on September 26, 2024. Born November 15, 1938, he had been an active member of Royal Bermuda Yacht Club for nearly 45 years.

Penny’s history with Bermuda sailing is rich and varied. He represented Bermuda at four Summer Olympics in two classes of boat: Dragons and 470s. He, along with his tight-knit crew from Ariel, hold eight International One Design World Championship titles.

But no matter how well he did, Penny always remained humble on and off the water. A quiet man, who observed everything, you did not want to meet him in the Protest Room, which was a rare occurrence.

His love for being on the water and sailing passed on to all three of his sons: Scott, Blair and Lars – all having spent their summers and spare time messing around in boats. His grandchildren continue the legacy.

There is a name plaque on the stern companionway of his cherished IOD, Ariel, that sums up everything that was Penny Simmons: ‘Sportsmanship before Winning’. That is the legacy of E. ‘Penny’ Simmons that needs to be remembered – he was all about fair sailing, he just happened to be very good at winning races.

He is survived by his wife Sacha and children Scott (Helene), Blair (Nerissa), and Lars (Elizabeth).’Penny’ was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Yvonne and Fletch Marston; brother-in-law Jordy; mother May; father Frank, and niece Cathy.

Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Victoria, Leighton, Tilly, Ryan, and Tyler; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary Walker, Wendy, and Michael Butt, Nick and Marg Walker, and numerous nieces and nephews in Boise, Idaho; Toronto, Canada, and Bermuda.

A celebration of his life will be held at St John’s Church, Pembroke on Monday, 7th October 2024 at 4.00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation: https://www.endeavour.bm/support/donations. Service will be live streamed via the YouTube channel: (www.youtube.com/jrocbda).

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