Eight Bells: Nolan Richards

Nolan Richards died June 27, 2025 at home as he had wished, encircled by the loving care of his family, friends, and hospice team in Florence, AL.

Nolan recognized that for mixed fleet sailboat racing, there was a lack of statistical data underlying the prevailing handicapping system. He derived and published, with the input of results from yacht clubs from all over the United States, the U.S. Sailing Portsmouth Yardstick (correlating with the RYA system in the United Kingdom). That system, subsequently enhanced by others, is now used by yacht clubs all over the United States for mixed fleet sailboat racing. – Full report