An inquest into the death of professional sailor Sam Richmond aboard the superyacht Farfalla has prompted calls for enhanced yacht safety standards. Richmond, a crew member training for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, suffered a fatal head injury when a pad eye failed, causing a block to strike him. He died two days later at a Florida hospital.
The coroner attributed the pad eye’s failure to fatigue cracking, which had developed since the yacht’s construction in 2014. This cracking was exacerbated by misalignment during sailing, reducing its load capacity. In response, yacht owners have committed to more rigorous inspections, with plans to replace pad eyes every two years and implement stronger titanium fittings.
Richmond’s widow spoke at the inquest, emphasizing his passion for sailing and the impact of his loss. A remembrance procession was held during the Superyacht Challenge, honoring his legacy. Richmond, who began sailing at a young age, transitioned from instructor to industry professional, racing on various boats worldwide. His death has sparked discussions on the importance of rigorous safety measures in the sailing community.
