A memorial service will be held for local0 sailor/educator Fletcher Pitts on Saturday, January 1, 2005 at 11 A.M. on Johnson’s Bay Beach in Coral Bay, St. John. He died of heart failure on Christmas Day at the Schneider Hospital. He was 51 years old.
He was born in Monterey, California in 1953 and made his living as a shipwright. His hobbies were yacht racing, marlinspike seamanship and orchids. He was an active member of the Coral Bay Yacht Club.
He is survived by his wife and long term sailing partner Robin Clair Pitts, father Charles Robert Pitts (Senior), and brother Charles Robert Pitts (Junior).
A long time live-aboard and member of the USVI marine community, Pitts headed up the Coral Bay Kids-and-the-Sea (KATS) program for many years. Rotary II of St. Thomas awarded him its prestigious Paul Harris award for his educational efforts on behalf of local youths.
Crucian Native Tim Pitts Introduces VX One Class to Caribbean
In 1996 his beloved 1924 schooner Liberty won the overall prize (Wayfarer Cup) at the Antigua Classics.
In matters of international yacht race judging he was mentored by St. Thomas attorney Henry Menin.
Fletcher Pitts sailed into Coral Bay on Christmas day, 1987 and said, “…this is home, Robin!”
…he sailed out again exactly 17 years later.
Caribbean’s Pitts and Figueroa – Hernandez at Athens Summer Olympics
