Eight Bells: Larry Law
Published on January 26th, 2025
Founding father for the US I420 Class, Larry Law, 74, passed away January 18, 2025 in Newport Beach, CA.
Born in Chicago, IL in 1950, it was in 2000 when Larry singlehandedly resurrected the I420 Class in the US, and was President until 2018. He was driven by his desire to improve youth sailing and enable the USA to compete on an international stage. His son Justin sailed I420s until 2005 and Larry stayed to continue the mission of supporting what was then a small, but enthusiastic and growing class.
In those early days, Larry would take a handful of sailors to 420 Worlds with just himself and a coach. Some equated it to Larry’s Outward Bound program where sailors learned a lot both about life and sailing on those trips – exactly as Larry intended. As the class grew, Larry continued as USA Team Leader at just about every Worlds during his tenure as President.
During his 18 years at the helm, Larry grew the US Class immensely, thanks in large part to his sheer determination and substantial generosity (the former obvious to everyone who met him, the latter completely unknown, as he preferred it).
Larry’s presidency culminated in the USA hosting the 2018 Worlds in Newport, RI – an effort that was (in typical Larry fashion) conceived, driven, and supported by Larry. That year Team USA was 40-boats strong and 175+ boats from overseas.
After 2018, Larry continued on the Board as Fleet Development Director and Chief Cheerleader – especially in Southern California where he lived.
Larry was a long-time member of Balboa Yacht Club and also founder and past president of the Newport Balboa Sailing and Seamanship Association, which was formed in 1997 to support development of sailing, with an emphasis on youth sailing, at all experience levels.
In honor of Larry’s long standing devotion to youth sailing and his 25-year tenure with the US I420 Class, the US I420 National Championship trophy has been named the Larry Law Trophy.
He is survived by his son Justin, daughter Jennifer, sister Jan Zielinski, partner Susan Emery, and their families. In memory of Larry Law, contributions can be made for the Newport Balboa Sailing and Seamanship Association: https://www.nbssa.org/