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! 

Buddy DeRyder - Thank you for sharing your passion with me.

When I was 15 my Uncle Buddy turned me on to sailing. More than the experience of being in a boat on the water, which is awesome, it's a lifestyle. And over my span so far, its been a constant source of fun, refreshment and a distraction from the toils of life. 

Back then, Jimmy Buffett, CS&N and so many others provided the soundtrack. Cheap beer and a little weed got your head right and oh the girls. They brought the fun!

Competitive sailing and the associated lifestyle continues to be my go to outlet for dealing with troubles, challenges and well life. And it all started on a CAL 27 "Shamrock" on the Chesapeake Bay in 1981.  Thanks Uncle Buddy.  I miss your stories, encouragement and example. I hope you're kicking ass in the afterlife regatta!

 

 

Rockstars sailed-on: Dave "Charles" Rideout

 

Dave was an awesome Fat Bottom Girl Rockstar. We were High School friends in the 80's and our adventures were absolutely epic! He was the best wing-man ever and we never had a bad time. We reconnected in the early 90's when I moved back to Hampton after the Navy. He would sail with me from time to time but really got into the Rockstar lifestyle around 2006. 

One of my favorite memories with Dave sailing was a Wednesday evening when the wind was a little sporty. My daughter, Olivia, was 8 and in those days she loved riding the leeward rail. This particular evening, Olivia and her cousin Lyndsay, were getting splashed on the low side when a big puff and wave hit. As Olivia is getting washed down the boat, Dave casually reaches over, grabs Olivia by the lifejacket and puts her back on her station. I don't believe Olivia even noticed she was getting washed away. She's a good kid so thanks Dave! 

Dave worked with Darbo at the beginning of the Fat Bottom Girl old school race bottom project. Sadly, neither of them made it to the projects completion. When I splashed her in 2011 I though it only fitting to remember them. 

I'm asked from time to time about the "with us in sprit", and it's always with a smile and a little bit of wet eye that I remember my good friends Dave and Darbo. 

Dave "Sailed On" July 25th 2011. From his obituary:

 "David was so full of life, love, and sense of humor, that everyone who met him would be immediately touched by these gifts. The sudden loss of David has had a profound effect on all who knew and loved him. He loved art, traveling, shooting pool, tennis, sailing, the beach and just being with his friends."

See you in the next life friend!