Thomas Harrington, 81

Thomas J. Harrington, the 63rd Commodore of the New York Yacht Club and a champion of its traditions and history, passed away on April 29, 2021. Commodore Harrington led the Club in 2013 and 2014.

Commodore Harrington’s passion for sailing started while an officer with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he achieved the rank of Captain, and developed as he pursued a graduate degree in business administration at Columbia Business School.

He moved to London after graduating, working for Chemical Bank, and purchased half-ownership in a Soling, which he raced on the Solent. Upon his return to North America, he dove into larger yachts, racing in the Caribbean, New England and the mid-Atlantic aboard his J/30 and J/35, both named Obstreperous.

He fostered a loyal crew, many of whom would go on to join the New York Yacht Club and enjoyed success in both classes. In September of `95, he won the J/30 North American Championship and the J/35 National Championship on consecutive weekends.

He also knew the importance of giving back to the sport and served in leadership positions for one-design classes. Also, a member of American Yacht Club, where he was awarded their Yachtsman of the Year.

After moving on from one-design racing, he built Black Watch, a Hinckley Sou’wester ‘42. The stately dark-hulled sloop was a familiar sight on the Annual Cruise and other events. He twice raced her to Bermuda.

He was also part of a consortium of Club members who formed the Black Watch Alliance and purchased the 68-foot 1938 Olin Stephens-designed Black Watch (formerly Edlu II). The boat served on submarine patrols off Eastern Long Island during the Second World War.

HE enjoyed a long career at Chemical Bank, including as president of its International Leasing subsidiary. After leaving, he founded Spectrum Capital, serving as president and CEO.

Spectrum Capital, Ltd. was an investment banking joint venture with what is today Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Mitsubishi Corporation.

He served as a Trustee Fellow at Fordham University, where he earned his undergraduate degree.

He is survived by his wife, Alane and their sons, Jamison, and Tucker.