Rockstar Sailed On - Keith "Darbo" Darby

 Darbo was a true Hampton sailing legend. He worked at the Hampton North loft and owned Darby Yacht Services. He was known for top quality work and especially for being skilled in go-fast race bottoms. 

We first met when I was teaching at-risk teens competitive sailing in the mid-nineties. We had moved the program to J-24's and Darbo helped us make our first J-24 "Hot Pepper" fast. Later when the bulkhead needed to be replaced, Darbo volunteered to fix it. 

When we hauled out for the Old School bottom project, Darbo helped me make it happen. He was instrumental in not only getting the boat to Granddads house but also getting the bottom work started. Soon after we started Darbo was diagnosed with cancer. Cancer sucks and I spent the next several months watching him fight cancer in true champion form. He sailed-on Feb 1, 2010. 

 Darbo was an amazing friend and mentor. He taught me much about go-fast race bottoms. I remember sailing with a really good sailor friend who commented "this boat is fast" and it made me feel great knowing I did Darbo proud in finishing what he started. 

See you in the next life!