Tribute Paid To Late Sailor Penny Simmons
Bermudian sailor Penny Simmons has been hailed as a “true sailing legend” with an “indomitable spirit” after passing away last month. He was aged 85.
Simmons represented Bermuda at four Olympic Games in two classes of boat: Dragons and 470s.
He was an active member of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club for several decades.
Simmons, who was inducted into the Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, finished third at the Pan American Games in 1967 in Winnipeg, Canada, competing in the Snipe class dinghies.
He also won the International One Design World Championships six times.
Eugene “Penny” Simmons. Photo courtesy of Talbot Wilson
The Bermuda Olympic Association paid tribute to Simmons on social media today [October 7], writing: “The Bermuda Olympic Association is deeply saddened by the loss of Eugene ‘Penny’ Simmons, a true sailing legend and Olympian.
“Penny represented Bermuda in four Olympic Games [1964, 1968, 1972, 1976], earned a bronze medal at the Pan American Games, and was a six-time International One Design World Champion.
“His unparalleled passion for sailing and his indomitable spirit earned him a well-deserved place in the Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
“Penny’s contributions to sailing and to Bermuda will be remembered for generations to come.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
A truly accomplished and talented sportsman who will be long remembered.
Condolences to the family and all who knew him .
I was sad to learn of the passing of Penny Simmons. He was a very kind, talented, affable gentleman, and his contributions to Bermuda in the sailing world were huge. My condolences go out to his entire family. May he RIP – and continue to have ‘fair winds’ and ‘full sails’ …………….