Dave Wakeman

We are saddened to share the passing of Dave Wakeman, whose passion for sailing and steady mentorship touched countless sailors on Lake Tahoe.

A lifelong South Tahoe local, Dave grew up in a family closely tied to the early sailing history of the lake; his father was among the first to keep a sailboat on Tahoe. Dave himself became widely respected for his racing ability and quiet mastery of wind, water, and boat handling. Many first met him sailing the classic double-ended sloop 23 Skidoo, where his thoughtful approach to sailing, practicing maneuvers calmly and deliberately rather than shouting through mistakes, left a lasting impression on generations of crew.

Dave later became well known for racing Santana 20s, restoring a damaged boat that became Luzviminda, which he campaigned for many years and which remains in his family today. Over the decades he sailed extensively across Lake Tahoe and San Francisco Bay, crewing with and mentoring countless local sailors, always bringing a steady, “zen-like” presence aboard.

His love of the water extended beyond racing. Dave spent many weekends working at Zephyr Cove helping visitors get out on the lake, often sleeping on the beach just to stay close to the action. During the 1984 Southern Crossing race, he demonstrated his character by dropping out of competition to assist in the rescue of a sinking sailor, an act remembered as much for its quiet decisiveness as for its seamanship.

An accomplished athlete beyond sailing, Dave was also a competitive skier, racing in masters events for many years after earlier competing with top regional and national junior programs.

Dave Wakeman will be remembered as a gifted sailor, generous crewmate, and steady friend. He was someone who showed, by example, that the best mariners are defined not only by how fast they sail, but by how they carry themselves on the water and how they look after others along the way.