Connie was a great contributor to this forum. I purchased the 4 sailing books in that series he wrote years ago and agree totally with your brief review. Most likely your assumption of his crossing the bar is correct. The warranty period for our bodies expires at 70 and Connie passed that threshold long ago. I never met him in person but I sure learned a lot from him on this forum. He is greatly missed. Maybe Dave Scobie could put together a collection of his posts for us (not that he doesn't already have enough to do). Connie, if you're gone, may you rest in peace. On Fri, Jan 3, 2025, 13:18 <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote:
Hi all,
I recently read Conbert "Connie" Benneck's book "Becoming a sailor: From the bathtub to the ocean," and found his writing and general insights on life incredibly good, hilarious, and inspiring. I highly recommend it as a generally excellent book, even for people with no interest in sailing- the caliber of writing and ideas is way above your typical sailing adventure book.
He was instrumental in inspiring me to find and fix up my first M boat- a Montgomery 15, and I really appreciate his help and wisdom over the years, as well as articles and essays he wrote for Small Craft Advisor and elsewhere.
One thing I was quite shocked to find in his book was clear accounts of events that happened to him personally, that he was old enough to remember clearly, in the mid 1920s, fully a century ago. Surely that would make him one of the oldest people on the planet? And indeed, googling his name, I found an article in the Wall Street Journal - from several years ago no less- interviewing him as indeed, one of the oldest living people.
I have tried to contact him to tell him how much I loved his book, but was unsuccessful. I have not been able to reach him since October 2023. In trying to reach him, I discovered a legal filing for PROBATE OF WILL in his name and county of residence, as of March of 2024. It is my belief that our friend Connie has passed on. If anyone has any information that I am wrong, please speak up now and correct me.
In any case Connie, I wish you fair winds, and thank you for all of the advice, inspiration, and help over the years. You have helped two new generations get into and enjoy sailing in my family alone.
Sincerely, Tyler Backman Sage 17 #0 Goshawk