Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
The Star Class lost another member this past week. We are sad to report the passing of Tod Raynor, a member of the Narragansett Bay fleet and a Gold Bar holder. A celebration of life will be held in September and we'll update as information is received.
Tod Carter Raynor of Islip, NY and Old Saybrook, CT passed away on August 15, 2023.
He is survived by his father, Preston Carter Raynor, siblings Allison, Meredith and Seth (Angela), his niece Jacqueline (Hayden Quinn), nephew Nathaniel (Dani Liu) and his beloved, Christine Doherty and daughters Caroline and Nicolette. His many Golden Retriever companions were ever at his side and benefitted from his love and care.
Tod attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Troop 151, Islip and was a proud graduate of SUNY Maritime College, Ft. Schuyler. A man of varied interests and passions, none were more dear to his heart than sailing and working on or around boats. As a child, he raced his Narrasketuck wooden sailboat on Long Island’s Great South Bay, and enjoyed ice boating with South Bay Scooter Club when conditions permitted. In 1983, he raced as a member of the America’s Cup defending team with skipper Dennis Conner. Licensed as a captain and an engineer, he first worked for American Cruise Lines in Haddam, CT and for the past 20 plus years at Old Lyme Marina, where he was in charge of many technical and practical aspects of yacht and sailboat maintenance. Along the way, he lovingly restored a 40 foot wooden ketch, “Blue Waters”, built by Joel Johnson, one of the premier boat builders on the East Coast.
No one could pass or sail aboard Tod’s boat without remarking how beautiful it was and how perfectly maintained. Tod was a Life member of International Star Class, in which he loved to compete and through which he formed lifelong friendships. Just two weeks ago, he sailed a victorious race in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac aboard “Medicine Man”, an Andrews 63, skippered by Rick Hennig. Tod’s friendly, congenial manner endeared him to all the lives he touched. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered.
Contributions in Tod Raynor’s memory can be made to the International Star Class Legacy Foundation
