Nevin Sayre: Lived to tell about it

Yanked like a puppet from 20 feet above Sengekontacket Pond, Nevin Sayre was already unconscious when he hit the water in a nearly fatal accident earlier this month on Martha’s Vineyard.

The sailing champion and hall of fame windsurfer from Vineyard Haven was kite-surfing October 18 on the pond and had just taken a soaring leap when suddenly, his kite reversed, pulling him straight to the surface instead of through the air. – Vineyard Gazette

If it were not for Robert Harding — who goes by Bear, and is the first mate of the sailboat Juno in Vineyard Haven Harbor — Sayre very likely would have died, according to first responders, witnesses, and Sayre himself.

“In the absolute moment of truth and the ultimate test, you never know how you will respond,” Sayre told The Times. “Bear was the absolute perfect person in the perfect place at the perfect time, with the best training and fitness and wherewithal to save my life. Bear faced the ultimate test, and passed with absolute brilliance. – MV Times