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A. Worrell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for A. Worrell
John Downey
June 16, 2010
Dear Mendy and Family,
My sincere condolences for your sad loss.
I was lucky to have taken part in the 1987 Worrell 1000 sailing in the 20ft class...what an adventure!
I'm looking at my 2nd place plaque with the logo featuring Mike with the wave jumping Hobie 16....Mike's complete commitment to the sport and his greeting after each leg "How'd it go Skipper" will always be how I remember him.
I have just returned from Reg White's funeral in the UK (Reg built the boat I sailed in the Worrell)....with the other losses in the sailing world,, there's some special regattas scheduled up above.
God bless
June 14, 2010
I was so shocked to hear about Mike. I am the sister of Ron Anthony.
Ron and Mike were very good friends. My brother, Ron won the race in 1979. The proudest moment in his life before his death in 1983. I remember those dudes fron New Zealand who sailed with my brother. All I can think about is the Jimmy Buffet song "Son of a Sailor Man" Thank you Mike for being my brothers friend. Peggy Anthony
Kathryn Gainor Ventura
June 10, 2010
When we enter this world we are crying and everyone is smiling, Mike lived life so that while we are crying he is smiling down on us. He helped me through my first heartbreak, a great man with compassion for life, an entrepreneur with zest of life, even a bad shoulder never dampered his spirit for life or sailing. Thanks Mike. I have missed you since I left VA Beach in 1977 and cherious your kind heart forever. Prayers and Blessing to all of his family and friends. We were the lucky ones to share part of his life.
Rock Bell
June 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mendy and family. I was fortunate enough to meet Michael back in 1980, race 2 Worrell 1000's back in the Hobie 16 era, and kept in touch over the years after that.
In addition to his consumate skill as a racer and a seaman, the trait I learned most from him was his attitude that one was responsible for continuing to race, or for getting yourself back ashore after a breakdown. That insitance on clearly and calmly assessing the realities and risks of a situation, and then taking the personal responsibility for dealing with them, shaped my young mind far more than I realized at the time, and has been a touchstone for me in many a dicy situation on the water.
I used to sit on the beach at the north end, watching Michael sail solo in the surf, marvelling at his ability to handle the boat by himself in conditions that woudl keep many fully crewed boats sitting on the beach.
Michael was a mentaly tough sailor, a dreamer, innovator, and an incredible asset to both the international sailing community and to the people who knew and loved him in Virginia Beach. His influence will be felt for years and years to come.
Here's hoping you are out jumping waves forever, we will miss you!
Tom Wilkinson
June 10, 2010
My condolences to the Worrell family. Michaels passing is the end of an era. I worked with both Michael and Chris for many years and have many fond memories of the great times we had together. I lost track after moving to Rhode Island 20 years ago. My prayers are with you.
PAUL PRICE
June 9, 2010
Micheal - May the hand of God create beautiful waves for you to enjoy sailing a Hobie 16 forever on our ocean in heaven :^D PAUL PRICE .
Gary Bobbitt
June 9, 2010
My most sincere condolences to the Worrell family. Whenever I sailed with Mike, he always taught me something. My fondest memories are back in the 70's, watching him carving the waves as only he could on that 14. Worrell, a name synonymous with sailing. Mike, thanks for all the good memories.
June 9, 2010
Dear Wendy and family, Michael has started organizing the Worrell 1000 in Heaven as we speak....and this time it will become part of the Heaven Olympics...GOD BLESS YOU
Paul & Jackie Darden (Chesapeake, Virginia)
Jerri Wehrle
June 9, 2010
Mendy and Family,
It is so hard to find the words right now but just wanted you all to know you have the love and support from your family and friends and we are here for you.
Robert & Jeanine Feldman
June 9, 2010
I first met Michael when I sailed the initial Worrell 1000 in 1976. He was the pioneer of long-distance small catamaran racing, 1000 miles non-stop in those days, on a Hobie 16, and he did it in an era before GPS, dry suits, spinnakers and all of the other accessories that now ease the pain of sailing in such a grueling race.
His catamaran sailing knowledge and abilities were top notch. Who else do we know who went out and sailed in hurricane surf - and did it standing up! He is responsible for bringing together so many great sailors from around the world and for creating so many friendships that endure to this day. I am privileged to have known him, to have sailed in four of his races, and to have worked with him in all of the others. I have fond memories of our many conversations over a cup of coffee in the early morning hours, waiting for the last boats to come in, and in listening to him, at sunrise, assess and explain to my video camera what the sea held in store for the day’s sailing.
Mendy, Elizabeth, Barron and family: Jeanine and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we hope that time and the support of friends will ease the pain of your loss.
Blue skies,
Hey Mike, see you on the water next time.
Mark & Lisa Herendeen
June 9, 2010
Mike Worrell sought the some of the same successes that all multihull sailors seek for our sport.....greater breadth of public exposure and understanding, stronger/consistent attendance, the thrill of high adventure & performance multihull sailing, all while branding our respective home ports as destination spots on their own merits. My wife and I got a married within hours of the "last Worrell," and admire Mike's overt passion of the multihull sailing, the ocean, and the sailors that have competed in his event.
Mark Herendeen (Melbourne, Florida's Space Coast and Team Space Coast from the 2002 Worrell 1000)
Alice Halgas
June 9, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Hobie Alter
June 9, 2010
Mendy and Worrell family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Mike will be missed by us all.
Mike's passing is very emotional as I have so many great memories of the Worrell 1000 race where we first met back in 1980. I was fortunate to be invited to Mike's race and had the chance to get to know him over the years. Sailing with Carlton in '82, battling the Aussies and many other great sailors are those special memories that you'll never forget. Without Mike's dream and commitment to running this crazy 1000 mile catamaran race, many of us would have never experienced the fun and excitement of distance racing day and night on small beach cats. Finishing in VA Beach each year was a great feeling, no matter what place you were in.
Mike is a true legend a pioneer in distance catamaran racing.
Thanks for the great memories.
Hobie Alter Jr.
Keith Chapman
June 9, 2010
I never met Mike, but feel like I know him from involvement with those that have sailed the Worrell 1000 and as a Tybee 500 competitor myself. Mike's contributions have made it possible for all of us to gather up our courage and realize it doesn't matter, we have to go! My heartfelt condolences to his family - have comfort in realizing that when you look around at all the people he influenced, a part of him is still here.
Paul Warren
June 9, 2010
First off, I'm a sailor, originally from Chesapeake Bay. I never had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Mike Worrell, but as a fellow sailor, I'm sure we would have hit it off.
I only know of Mike and his brother from their origination of the "Worrell 1000." But as a sailor, who's crossed oceans and logged thousands of sea miles, I applaude what he/they did for sailing. Mike's creativity and insights that helped to create this event have helped over the years to prove that sailing can be a physically and mentally challenging sport, as much as football or soccer.
It's a great legacy and testiment to his love of sailing.
Sail on, Mike. You earned the respect of countless sailors like me who never knew you, but wish we had.
ned deaver
June 8, 2010
mike was a great friend and teacher, he was kind to me and took me under his wing and showed me the world of hobie cat sailing, i will miss him greatly
Carlyle Bland
June 8, 2010
First off, To Mendy and the rest of the Worrell family you have my deepest thoughts and sympathies. I was like a lot of people dragged into the Worrell by the sheer force of personality of Mike. Not being a good Cat sailor Mike found a place for me in the Worrell and he gave me one of the great adventures of my life. I will be indebted to Mike forever for that opportunity.
Tracie Taylor
June 8, 2010
My heart goes out to Mike's children, also, Barron and Elizabeth. I lost my dad in March to lung cancer and it was a very hard thing to watch. I empathize with you right now. I pray too that God will give you each the Peace and Comfort that only He can give.
Tracie Taylor
June 8, 2010
Mendy, my heart hurts for you right now. I know this is a tough time for you. What a blessing to know that he is in Heaven with His King, rejoicing in total wellness, never to hurt again! I pray that God will give you the Peace and Comfort that only He can give to you!! I wish I was there to give you a hug! Love you tons! Tracie Taylor
Dave Nelson
June 8, 2010
Mike was a significant player in enhancing my love of the sport. I suspect he's still sheeted in hard and flying a hull...
Lynne Bleakney
June 8, 2010
Mendy and family, Please except my heart felt prayers and know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Lynne Bleakney
Lisa Herendeen
June 8, 2010
Mark and I were married on the last Worrell 1000 which will always be a precious memory. We are saddened by this loss both for his family and the sailing community. Mike was truly a legend something most of us aspire to achieve and he did this and more.
June 8, 2010
We are very saddened,
Rick White & Mary Wells
Hans Meijer
June 7, 2010
I now wish I had kept in contact in with Mike over the past 10 years. He was such a fixture in Virginia Beach, I guess I thought he would always be there.
I met Mike in 1996 when he was first reviving the Worrell 1000. He had a passion and gift for the promotion of that event that inspire many of us to sail in it. Completion of the Worrell was a personal defining moment for many.
Sincere condolences Mindy
Godspeed Michael
Steve Piche
June 7, 2010
To Mendy and everyone in the Worrell, I want to express my deepest sympathies. Mike Worrell was a passionate innovator who pushed the frontier of catamaran sailing to new boundaries and in the process inspired other to achieve things that one could never imagine possible. For that, I am thankful to have known Mike and to have learned so much from him. Mike's influence goes way beyond the Worrell 1000. For the past eight years, we have run a mini-Worrell in Texas, the Great Texas Catamaran Race. This race was inspired by the Worrell 1000. The race has brought the joy of off-shore distance racing to many people in the Texas area who never had a chance to do the Worrell. If it were not for Mike Worrell's inspiration, the race would not have been created. To honor his contributions to the Great Texas Catamaran race (www.gt300.com), this year's race (which will be run next week) will be dedicated to the memory of Mike. Thanks to Mike for all that he has done for me and so many other in the sailing community.
Michael R. Zarecky
June 7, 2010
Just wanted to let everyone know how saddened I was to here about Mike's passing. He and Chris were both great friends of myself and Hobie Fleet 32. Mike will be missed by many.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family,
Mike Zarecky
Dan Koch
June 7, 2010
I will always remember Mike jumping the waves at the ocean front. I also have fond memories of him during the Worrell 1000. He will be missed.
Travis Fox
June 7, 2010
Mike Worrell was one heck of a storyteller. I remember being regaled by his many tales of sailing and of days gone by. His contribution to the spirit and legacy of the Virginia Beach community are a rare and enduring gift.
Better days.
Todd Hart
June 7, 2010
Echoing What Chuck Bargeron wrote, I'm having a hard time trying to put words to paper.
I met Mike in 1997 when I was bitten by the Worrell 1000 "bug". He helped me from then on to go from ground crew to crew to skipper in the next 5 Worrell 1000's. The legacy he has left in sailing and the lessons he taught me have changed me forever and made me who I am today.
Mike ,Fair winds and following seas isn't appropriate.I know you are on that eternal screaming reach which will put you on the beach first. Godspeed!
Thoughts and prayers to Mendy and the rest of his family.
Todd A. Hart
John Williams
June 7, 2010
What is there to say... I was glad to have known Mike and been a part of the event that will always bear his name. He had a unique charisma that ensorcelled a lot of us. He'll be missed greatly and often.
John, Leah and Sara Williams
Long Beach, CA
John & Christine Sherlock
June 7, 2010
Mendy, Barrow & Elizabeth -
Just know that John & I are praying for you in your loss.
Mendy - John & I are here for anything you need. We love you.
Ned Kuehn
June 7, 2010
Mike was a great friend as well as an extremely innovative business-man. Some of his ideas might not have been successful as he would have liked but his passion and media savvy were second to none......Mike and Chris assisted me with the 1983 Beach Patrol RFP and were instumental in the City Council's acceptance of my bid. There will be no greater "Hobie Cat" Captain than Mike Worrell.....Sail on brother Worrell.....Sail on!
2 seconds ago
Mark Michaelsen
June 7, 2010
Mendy and the Worrell family. I am so sorry for your loss. I am pretty sure though that Michael is with Carlton Tucker on a screaming reach somewhere off the Carolina Coast at the moment and both of them are laughing their hearts out...
June 7, 2010
Mendy and the Worrell family...I am so sorry to hear Mike has passed. I am pretty certain that Mike and Carlton Tucker are right off the coast of North Carolina at the moment on a screaming reach laughing their hearts out...Fair winds Michael.
Chuck Bargeron
June 7, 2010
As I try to find the words to put here, there are so many things going through my mind. In May of 1983 I met Michael Worrell and Lee Queensberry during the Worrell 1000, on the beach at Tybee Island, Ga. From that first incounter I was hooked. Each year after that, I would be there and wait along with others for boats to arrive. During the wait I had a chance to talk with Michael many times. He answered all my questions and spoke of his adventures, and building the event that would totally consume me. Over time I met Mendy while working on the Worrell 1000. She was one of the Worrellettes as they came to be known. When I received the phone call of Michael's condition, he and Mendy have been in our thoughts and prayers. When I got the call that Michael had passed, I felt a space in my heart open up and all the years and memories flow. Mendy, Judi and I want you to know how much we love you and pray for you and Michael's family, as you go though this. I have and will always give Michael the credit for what I was able to become a part of and go forth with.
With all respect
Chuck and Judi Bargeron
Brenda & Bob Gartman
June 7, 2010
Michael is in Heaven in his new glorified body rejoicing with his Saviour. May he rest in peace. Praying for the comfort only God can give to you Mendy, Barron and Elizabeth.
Nita Bradshaw
June 7, 2010
Mendy and family.....
I am so very sorry for your loss. Michael fought a very long and courageous battle. Know now that he is resting in the arms of Christ, gazing into his eyes being reassured of a job well done.
Mendy if you need anything I am there for you....may God Bless each of you during this period of grief.
Nita
Bill Morgan
June 7, 2010
Mike was quite a person. He was full of idea's and pursuing his passion of Hobe Cat racing. He once ask me to fly photographers to meet him coming around Cape Hatteras under full sail and I did.
God Bless Him and His Family.
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