Joseph R. Duplin, Sr., 82

Winthrop, Mass.

duplinJoe, a legendary Star Class racer, died Aug. 7. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during 1956-58. He won the 1963 North American Star Class Championships, and, within three weeks, moved on to win the 1963 World Star Class Championship. His victory in 1963 brought the 1964 World Star Class Racing Championship to the Cottage Park Yacht Club in Winthrop, where he finished 2nd. That year, he was named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

In 1966, he won the European Star Class Racing Championships.

Joe was a sailing coach for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Teams in 1972 Munich and 1984. He was a sailing coach at MIT and Tufts University, where a carpentry shop was built and dedicated in Coach Duplin’s name. He was inducted into the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association Hall of Fame, for a Lifetime Service Award, in 2007-2008.

Joe owned Duplin Marine in Winthrop, where he designed and built sailboats. He was also a Winthrop Youth Hockey coach and a member of the Cottage Park Yacht Club.