The Passing of Another Icon
“Actor John Forsythe dies at age 92,” the headline reads.
Baby Boomers may first remember Forsythe from the TV show Bachelor Father (1957-1962). But if thinking that far back is too much of a strain, Boomer yuppies will certainly remember John Forsythe for his role as the oil-rich patriarch Blake Carrington in the 1980s television soap opera Dynasty, and as the mysterious unseen millionaire-private-investigator Charles Townsend in Charlie’s Angels (1976–1981).
John Forsythe was a popular actor, well-known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses, and competitive tennis player. That’s what most of us know. What many may not know is that he was an avid sailor as well. That is how I came to know him.
The first time I met John Forsythe was in 1981, just prior to the airing of Dynasty. I had recently returned from an adventurous few years sailing Hawaii and the Pacific, and was living on my sailboat in Marina del Rey, California. A buddy of mine was dating Forsythe’s daughter and asked if I’d mind if John joined us for an afternoon sail. That turned out to be the first of several day-sails together. He turned out to be quite the sailor.
It was obvious that John Forsythe really enjoyed being out on a boat again. He was in his early sixties when I met him, but apparently used to sail quite a bit as a younger man, before work and other responsibilities pretty much edged out sailing. “Besides,” he told me, “my wife — whom I dearly love — does not much care for boats, so sailing would mean mostly going it solo.” I’d met Mrs. Forsythe on one occasion. A lovely lady, but she showed up at the dock wearing heels and white gloves. John’s point was well taken.
My boat was rigged with all lines leading aft into the cockpit, so all activity – like raising and lowering sails – could be handled single-handedly without leaving the cockpit. John really liked this, and I guess that is what led him, one sunny afternoon in Santa Monica Bay, to make me an offer I could not refuse.
“I like the fact that I could easily sail this boat all by myself, without any crew. Would you consider selling her to me?”
“John, this boat is my home. Lots of nautical miles logged here,” I responded, light-heartedly. But I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was quite serious.
“Name your price,” he said, smiling, wind in his hair, as the boat surfed down a wave. “I just completed a pretty good run with the Angels show and have begun a new television series … I’m flush.”
We all laughed, but a deal was made that afternoon out on the water for John to buy the boat. That’s how John Forsythe got back into the sport of sailing … and I’m glad I was able to play a part.
Rest in peace John Forsythe. Happy sailing in the hereafter.
Yeay, baby boomer women! This is what I’m talking about!
I’m a Texas attorney-baby boomer-female sailor. I know exactly what she is feeling out there on the sea. There’s absolutely nothing like it. Go girl!
This is what midlife is all about! Don’t think getting older, think what do I want to try next???
Be bold and GO FOR IT!!!
The Midlife Crisis Queen!
Inspirational! Loved this. I dont think sailing is quite my thing – I have tendency toward seasickness and like the feel of terra firma under my feet – but still loved it. When a person finds such passion about something, especially at this stage in ones life, it is absolutely inspirational.
Mike is a fine writer that has a terrific way of connecting us to the moment and the person. I love the ocean too and live with it most days in Malibu. The ocean brings so many interests to so many people, surfing, sailing, fishing, diving and these are just a few of the fun things. The oceans health is imperative to our survival on this wonderful planet, perhaps the more people are involved with it on a personal level the more we will understand its need for care. The best thing that we Boomers can offer to the next generation is to enjoy this place as much as we have.
Okay, Helen, where do I sign-up to be a crew member?
David
A woman who loves boats, the great outdoors, is trim, has a great smile. She’s perfect! What I want to know is Is she single!
Way to go sister! I love women who go after something new and exciting. It is good to know that we have interests other than being a wife and mother. I am so envious. I love to sail as well and after reading this article I am going to get out there and have some fun. Keep sailing! Life is too short.
Where oh where does she get her energy??? This woman is a baby boomer (my parents gen). I’m in my 20s and got tired just reading about her. The author too. What is it about that generation? I know Mike Petrie. He runs in races and marathons (perish the thought), runs the office (could not pay me enough), runs to court (he’s a lawyer, again no thanks), owns a real estate company (and a couple other businesses to I think), surfs in the ocean (any idea how cold that water is), writes magazines and is writing a book (I’ll read one but don’t ask me to write one). And he has two little kids at home that I know keep him running around. OMG just kill me now! (I hope he knows I’m just really joking)
All depends on your perspective. The Mike Petrie I know is almost always late getting to the office because he’s been out jogging on the beach, playing tennis, surfing. Then he leaves early to go sailing on his boat or do happy hour with friends. (Just kidding of course. Or am I?)But he’s a good writer and usually writes about fun things that I enjoy reading.
We need to hear from Helen about all these nice comments!
Awesome, awesome! Love it love it!! Great writing, great adventure, great life. I want to be her.Inspiring. All the above. You go girl!!
She’s probably out sailing! Good for her. Maybe she just kept on going to some south sea isle. When I grow up I want to be her, ha ha. Really, not kidding. Luved reading this. Now I am truly inspired to do something exciting with my life. Thank you!
If we don’t hear from this woman it is because she is way to busy. keep on sailing girl! follow those dreams and make them all come true. too many people dont make their dreams come true.
To anonymous 1&2: The key is knowing how to properly balance work and play. Though I’m sure Michael appreciates you reading his articles . . . It’s time to log off the internet and get back to work! lol
Mike, is a good writer and always captures the excitement and spirit of the sailing experience.
What is Helen Up to? well, she is busy with the Toshiba Tallship festival september 11th -12th. She will be crewing on new Tallship called Irwin Johnson besides her normal volunteer crew duty for the Pilgrims and Spirit of Dana. She will be sailing from San Pedro to Dana Point Harbor.
check out : http://www.tallshipsfestival.com
Support the Ocean Institute!!
H Tam
Me thinks Dr. Helen Tam is a tad too modest in recounting what she’s been up to. Fact is, this woman continues to live her life like the Energizer Bunny. Since I wrote the article about her for SAIL Magazine, Helen has sold her boat in Southern California and purchased a larger but much older boat in Northern California that she’s fixing up and rigging for a South Sea cruise. Here’s the latest email I received from her, recounting in greater detail what she’s been doing lately:
Enjoyed seeing the SAIL story on Boomer Café. I did not know that I actually might be inspiring other people. Cool! Of course, I am totally oblivious of what’s going on since I have been so busy trying to stay focused with my goal to sail to the South Pacific.
Well, it is a challenge trying to fix up the Jenneau 38 and flying back and forth to and from San Francisco since April. I learned about taking a solenoid apart from the engine, lifting out a 180 lb marine battery by myself, installing a water heater, jump starting engines… Overwhelming… At times I wanted to torch the boat, but I refused to give up. The boat is way behind schedule. It was supposed to go on sea trial 3 wks ago but the engine failed to start. I called a mechanic but he was not immediately available. Out of desperation, I took the tool kits and start dismantling the solenoid on my own and after several more few phone calls found a warehouse in a rather dismal neighborhood (West Oakland industrial area) that supposedly stocks all solenoid. But, of course, they did not have the particular solenoid that I needed. The solenoid I have was made in England 25 years ago, so they offered to custom make one for me. That would take too long so the guy at the shop suggested that I jump start the engine and bypass the switch. I took the solenoid back to the boat, reinstalled and jump started. It works, but now I have to build a switch for it. It took me 3 hrs to get to the boat last week end when the Bay Bridge was closed. Ugh!
Meanwhile, life continues with sailing and getting more blue water experience. I just joined the Exxy /Irwin Johnson Tallship and will be crewing for this tallship out of San Pedro. In fact, I will be sailing her down tonight from San Pedro to Dana Point for Tallship Festival this week end. Of course, I still crew on the Pilgrim and Spirit of Dana Point ships and am also part of The Coast Guard Auxiliary and am out there on patrol with them. So it has been crazy dividing my time between 3 tall ships, racing on Melge, upcoming races in Naples in Oct/Nov, doing the Bahaha cruise and Bash, crewing on a 45 foot race boat called Tiger Beetle out of Alameda, keeping up with my duty with the Coast Guard and my own boat and fishing for tuna (got two yellow fin tuna with the last outing trip), and trying to practice medicine all the while.
Hope to see you down at Dana Point this week end for the Tall Ships!
Helen
Spent the morning with HTam working on her sad lucas electrical problem we’ll have her sailing soon. What a treat to spend time with such a positive person in such a negitive world. Quite the little pirate she is.
Lowell,
Saw Helen at the Dana Point Tall Ships Festival all dressed up like a pirate and working the deck of one of the tall ships. She never stops!
Fun story. Energetic lady. Great writing!
Sailing and the people who live it! Good writing. Fun story. I’m a fan of this writer and this sort of writing about people who really grab life. Keep it coming.
HEADING TO CABOS SAN LUCAS TOMORROW TO MEET TIGERBEETLE BOAT. WILL BE SAILING BACK AND FEEL KIND OF INTIMIDATING SINCE THIS IS GOING TO BE MY VERY FIRST TRIP OFFSHORE AND SAILING UPWIND FROM CABOS BACK TO SANDIEGO . MORE ADVENTURES TO TELL IF I SURVIVE . VERY IMPRESSED WITH CATAMARAN CALLED TUKI OUT OF RICHMOND MARINA. WHAT A SPEED MACHINE!
HTAM.
Back from Baja Bash. Awsome trip. Lot of fun and even catch fish. Terrific and awsome captain, Robert MacFarlane on Tiger Beetle and Great crew, Dan Marshall.
Would I do the bash again? YES!!!