It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime Down East Yacht Club member Chip Loheed passed away Tuesday in Florida.

Chip and his wife, Maggie, joined DEYC in 2008, beginning nearly two decades of friendship, boating and service to the Club. After serving for many years on the Membership Committee, Chip became Membership Chair in 2022, helping welcome new members into the DEYC family and carrying forward the spirit of volunteer service so important to the health of our Club.

Chip and Maggie were familiar faces on the Maine coast, cruising first aboard their 30-foot Sabre sailboat, Reveille, later aboard their Mainship Pilot Express, Maggie’s Way, and finally Getaway, a Tiara 3500 Express. Their commitment to DEYC was very much a shared one, with Maggie recently completing her own term of service on the Club’s Board of Directors.

We extend our deepest sympathy and affection to Maggie and to Chip’s family and friends. Chip’s friendship, his many years of service, and his commitment to Down East Yacht Club will be remembered with great gratitude.

Those wishing to send condolences to Maggie may write to:

Maggie Loheed

4505 Gillen Street

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

We will share additional information with the membership as it becomes available.

With sympathy and respect,

Steve Marin

Commodore

Down East Yacht Club

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Chester "Chet" Clarridge, a man of boundless energy for life, who left this earth peacefully on February 13, 2026, in Bonita Springs, Florida. Born on April 11, 1930, in Milford, Massachusetts, Chet lived an extraordinary 95 years filled with adventure, love, and accomplishment.

Chet's centered his life with his love of family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Clarridge; his blended family of five children: Suzanne and Ron Clarridge; Lynne Pororenec; David and Jim Williams; as well as ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy. He was predeceased by his son Douglas Clarridge.

Chet graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in electrical engineering. His career as an engineer and entrepreneur was marked by creativity and innovation, leaving a lasting impact through his inventive spirit and leadership. He also served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Chet's zest for life extended far beyond his professional achievements. Known affectionately by his family for his "Relentless Recreation," he spent many years winning sailboat races on the Great Lakes. After retiring from competitive racing, he and his beloved wife Carol explored countless destinations across the United States, Canada, and around the world by sailboat and motorboat. An avid skier well into his mid-eighties and a golfer until age 95, Chet embraced every opportunity to stay active. He also had a deep appreciation for dogs, flowers, Shredded Wheat, scotch, seafood, and music—always ready to take to the dance floor with unmatched enthusiasm.

Chet's legacy is one of passion for life's adventures and dedication to those he loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life was held on April 11, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM at Palmira Golf Club 28501 Matteotti View, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. A second Celebration of Life is to be scheduled in the Pittsford, NY area late summer 2026, time and place TBD