Eight Bells: Tom Shadden

Well-known California yachtsman Tom Shadden died on May 31, 2025 in Long Beach, CA. He was 90.

He attended a military school during his youth and then went to Cal State Long Beach. After graduating from CSULB with a business administration degree, Shadden attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to study the investment industry. After serving in the U.S. Army, he eventually made his way to Long Beach and embarked on a career in finance.

Tom co-founded the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation, helped establish the United States Sailing Center in Long Beach along with with re-inventing the California International Sailing Association (CISA) to support amateur sailors. In 1978, Shadden was involved in launching the CISA Advanced Racing Clinic — which has built a legacy as the premier youth training event in the country. – Full report