Chris and I shared a long professional relationship in the field of piano technology. I served as his consultant on the intricate art of balancing piano actions. We were united by a deep passion for getting it right—and for many years, we did just that, together. Our connection extended beyond our work. We also shared a lifelong love of sailing. Both of us grew up summering on Buzzards Bay—Chris in Mattapoisett, and I in West Falmouth. Buzzards Bay is famous for its prevailing summer wind that builds from the southwest during the heat of the day—a sailor’s dream. It’s a place made for those who love “knocking about” in the wind and waves, as we both did. My wife, Eleanor, and I settled on Martha’s Vineyard. Chris visited us on several occasions. One visit in particular stands out. In July of 2015, Chris was cruising on a sailboat with a friend named Beth. They made their way to Oak Bluffs, and Chris gave me a call, hoping we could sail together. The skipper of their boat was hesitant to head out in the brisk twenty-knot southwest breeze that was building that day. That really pissed off Chris. I said ‘No problem. Let’s go in our boat!” So Chris and Beth joined Eleanor and me aboard our 30’ sloop, Prelude—a boat named by her previous owners, two sailing grandmothers who were both professional pianists. Prelude is moored in a quiet anchorage at the end of Lake Tashmoo, a place as peaceful as its name suggests. We got on board and tied a double reef in the mainsail for comfort in the expected strong winds outside the harbor. We sailed off the mooring, through the lake, and out past the breakwaters into the Vineyard Sound. What followed was an exhilarating broad reach of 3 nautical miles across to Woods Hole with sun, wind, waves, salt spray, and laughter. We tied up in Woods Hole and walked to the Captain Kidd for dinner on the back porch, overlooking scenic Eel Pond bathed in setting sunlight. After dinner, we saw Chris and Beth off on the ferry back to the Vineyard. Eleanor and I sailed off in the calming wind to a scenic quiet anchorage away from the hustle and bustle for a romantic night under the waxing Gibbous Moon. It was a quintessential summer day—full of wind and sea, stories and friendship. One of those special days that stays with you. Thanks for the memories Chris