Eight Bells: Frank Davenport

Frank A. Davenport passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on April 27, 2025, at his home on Lake Geneva, WA. A lifelong sailor and adventurer, Frank embraced life with curiosity, courage, and a deep love for the water.

He raced Scows for over 70 consecutive summers—starting in his teens on Pistakee Lake and later raising his family on Lake Beulah and Lake Geneva. When his racing included the Melges 24, he explored new horizons: Charleston, Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Tampa Bay, Pensacola, San Fransisco Bay, the Gorge, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Puerto Azul, Slovenia, and Lake Garda, Italy.

If it was out there, he went, up until the very end, and always with the best shore crew anyone could ever ask for, his wife Melanie. He loved coming in afterwards, having a beer and then talking, or more accurately, telling a story, any story, about sailing.

A generous teacher and passionate storyteller, he inspired many to brave the wind and waves. Above all, Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who believed deeply in the strength of family and the value of living life fully.

He loved sailing and what it represented to him: a challenge, an adventure, a way to be brave and grow, see the world, maybe differently and in a more pure perspective…just the wind, the water, and you.

A quote on a scrap of paper found in his wallet said, “After all, the brave may not live forever…but the cautious do not live at all.”

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 700 N Bloomfield Rd, Lake Geneva, WI. A lunch reception will follow from 12:00pm to 3:30pm at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, 1250 S Lake Shore Dr, Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI. Attire: In his honor, guests are encouraged to wear their best weathered sailing gear—flip-flops welcome, ties not allowed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Geneva Lake Sailing School.

Source: Scowlines, Tribute