Exeter, N.H.
Wells Darling, 96, a lifelong sailor and devoted race-management volunteer, passed away Sept. 24 at his residence in Exeter, N.H. Wells came from a sailing family in metropolitan New York. His grandfather was one of the first sailmakers (Valentine Sails) on City Island, in the Bronx. After serving in the Navy, Wells graduated from Princeton in 1950 (class of 1949).
Having sailed since he was young, Wells built Thistle 1079, Nautigal, in his driveway in South Huntington, Long Island and raced in Huntington Bay. He then campaigned a series of Pearson boats called Kachina, ending with his beloved Pearson 424.
He believed in a family crew. In addition to many day and overnight races with the family, he always attended Block Island Race Week with the family racing and living onboard. He also cruised extensively with his family and friends through Southern New England with occasional trips to Maine.
Professionally, he was involved in the boating industry for over 30 years working for Grumman Allied who, along with other vehicles, manufactured Grumman canoes and Pearson Yachts.
He was Commodore of the Lloyd Harbor Yacht Club in Huntington, N.Y. (1980-81). After moving to Newport, R.I., in 1984, he became an active race committee member and eventually Commodore of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club (1990-91). He was also heavily involved in the development of Sail Newport in the mid 1980s.
