The sport of Sailing awoke this Sunday morning to the tragic news that Luiz Kahl had passed away.
For those unfamiliar with Luiz, he was the creator and owner of Yacht Scoring, the regatta scoring system used by most Caribbean regattas and a vast number of North American events. Luiz traveled to the Caribbean often. We loved having his smiling face and great personality as part of our race management teams.
Tributes have been pouring in all day, as friends, sailors, and organizers from around World expressed their shock at the loss of such an influential character in our sport.
Jaime Torres, CSA Director, mourns Luiz’s passing: “Luiz had so much energy and goodwill. He was a mentor and friend. We talked so much story over rum drinks for years. I’m blown away and heartbroken by the news.”
Bastien Pouthier, Chief Measurer for the CSA, worked hand-in-hand with Luiz throughout the year and spent many hours reviewing results and discussing ratings. Bastien said of Luiz, “He was every sailor’s great friend, and every regatta’s right hand. He made everyone feel included and welcome, a uniting figure inside and outside of the sport. So many stories were shared, so many technical conversations enjoyed. Pizza will be eaten, and cocktails raised in his memory at the upcoming regattas.”
Pam Fuller, CSA board member for many years and fellow team member at many regattas, said, “Luiz and I shared a desk at regattas all over the Caribbean, from Grenada to the British Virgin Islands, for the last 15 years. He gave a lot of his time and energy to help our smaller events. He always had time to answer questions and share his knowledge. His barbecue and cocktail skills were legendary. There was never any shortage of laughter.”
Luiz played a vital role in the Caribbean. Alison Sly-Adams, President of the CSA, says, “There is something about yacht racing which attracts good-hearted people who love the sport and only want to do their best for it. Luiz was an extraordinary person who, aside from his technical skills, bought calm, logic, and creativity to assist in developing practical solutions to much that we do. He will be sorely missed by all of us, but his legacy will live on across the Caribbean”.
Rest in Peace Luiz, Fair Winds!
