Community

Sail On

A friend from way back in the day, Bruce Marek (the happier half of Nelson/ Marek when he was still part of the team) sent this bit of sad news our way. Peace to all.

I have been following your site from the east coast for a few years now. Since you do have a really broad base of sailing readership, I thought I should report to you the death last Saturday (2/10/07) of Paul Bennett, President of Bennett Brothers Yachts, a Wilmington, NC boatbuilder/full service marina. Paul had built a couple of my custom 46's back in the nineties, as well as some S&S 48's, a Chris White Atlantic 48 Catamaran, and several power boats.

He founded Bennett Brothers Yachts in 1986. Prior to that he was President of Stevens Yachts (Stevens 50's, Stevens 47's). The Steven's 47's made many circumnavigations, and his Bennett Brothers Yard was the natural place for upfits/renovations that sent them around a few more times. Additionally, he was president of the Yacht Brokers Association of America in 2003-2004.

Paul had been an 8 year survivor of cancer, but ... the last battle got him. He is survived by his wife Tricia and 4 kids. Paul was an all around great guy and longtime supporter of yachting in America.

Bruce Marek
Marek Yacht & Design
Wilmington, NC

02/14/07