Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
It is with much sadness that I inform you of the passing of longtime member of the Boston Harbor Star Fleet, Peter Costa. A lifelong Winthrop resident, Peter loved the ocean and loved to sail.
Peter proudly and successfully campaigned many a boat. The Hustler, 210, Snipe, Laser, Rhodes 19 and Star.
The Star was Peter’s preferred boat. He campaigned for many years with his daughter Jessica. His introduction to the Star occurred in the mid to late 70’s. But it was Peter’s first experience at a Bacardi Cup that really hooked him. Peter had borrowed a boat for the regatta.
He returned from Miami and spoke of one experience that amused him. Sailing upwind in one race he crossed the bow of a particular Star. The skipper stood up in the boat and yelled to Peter: “that’s not even your boat!” It was Tom Blackaller!
He went on to own 6 Stars spanning a period of 35+ years.
A tinkerer at heart, Peter is credited with having over 50 patents. Some from his days at Polaroid but most while he was a principal of Owl Engineering. The Trocar, an instrument widely used today in non-invasive surgery, is one of Peter’s patents.
Twenty-five years ago, Peter wanted to make a difference in the world by using his love of sailing to benefit others. Out of this desire, The Regatta to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation was started. Always humble, Peter never wanted credit for this. Fortunately, last year on the 25th anniversary of the event Peter was recognized by Make A Wish.
Winston Churchill said: “ We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” These words truly describe Peter Costa. A man who would always give.
He will be missed by many.
Peter is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Jessica and Jeremy Davidson.
Photo by Frank Zagarino - Peter sailing with daughter Jessica Costa sailing 7621 in the late 1990s.
