A contribution from Fran Charles;
The legendary Harold (Hatch) Brown passed away peacefully yesterday morning with his children Matt Brown, Annie Brown, and Emily Dunlap at his side. He was the beloved husband of Claire Brown. Hatch was 86 years old and instrumental in organizing sailing events through out his lifetime.
Hatch taught at least 30000 people how to sail in his tenure as the third Sailing Master and Varsity Coach at MIT for 29 years. Upon his retirement he continued to teach youth sailing in his hometown of Winthrop at the Cottage Park YC as well as run frostbite racing from November through April. He started sailing at Sandy Bay in Rockport and grew up teaching sailing at Community Boating on the Charles River. His natural talent shined brightly as he competed for Boston University and won A Division at the national dinghy championships. Always a competitive racer, Hatch won the North American Championships in the Firefly, Etchells, and Thistle classes.
Volunteerism was unwavering as Hatch served as the President of New England College Sailing, Mass Bay Sailing and Marblehead Frostbite. He judged and served on various race committees for countless local events as well as world championships and Olympic Trials. His dedication was matched by his kind-hearted teaching abilities and endless patience.
His warm smile and infinite wisdom will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of his life will take place at the MIT Sailing Pavilion on Sunday May 13 from 9am until noon.
Sail1Design Editor says
Fair winds