A few days after the Monaco Yacht Show, I learned that tragedy marked the closing hours of the event. Will Black, a 28-year-old crewmember with the sailing yacht Burrasca, collided with another sailing yacht while aboard a tender. Despite efforts by the harbor patrol, the Monaco police, the show organizers, and crew from Burrasca and other yachts, Black’s body remains unfound.
Although the official search has concluded, his friends and family refuse to give up. You can help, too. A donations fund is covering the significant costs associated with the ongoing search and an upcoming memorial service.
I never met Black. However, everything that I have read and heard about him makes me wish that I did. Even a quick look at some of the hundreds of photos (like the one here) on the Big Willy Facebook page honoring him reveal a young man who was in love with life and lived it to the fullest. He became interested in yachting after serving as a cameraman aboard a yacht competing in an around-the-world race a few years ago. His superyacht career began aboard Parsifal III in the summer of 2006. Subsequently, he joined the crews of yachts like A, Absinthe, and most recently Burrasca. In fact, he just joined the boat this past July.
By visiting WillBlack.org, you can learn more about him. You can sign a condolences book, too. Equally important, a PayPal link on the right side allows you to make a donation for the search efforts and memorial. The costs are staggering, due to the chance that submersible equipment may be needed. Port Herule is quite deep. Indeed, The Crew Report states that anyone with access to a remotely operated vehicle or submarine should contact Bianca Williams in YCO’s Monaco office. Reach out either via email: Bianca.w@ycoyacht.com or via phone: +377 93 50 12 12.
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