July 2024 | Linda and Gary Gordon, PICYA Delegates
Earlier this year, Linda and Gary Gordon, our delegates to the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA), submitted a nomination for the prestigious Meritorious Service Award. This annual award recognizes individuals, regardless of affiliation, who perform exceptional acts of rescue and aid in saving lives or property, honoring the age-old traditions of the sea.
This year, the award was presented to Kevin Kornegay of the South Lake Tahoe Windjammers Yacht Club (SLTWYC) during the PICYA Awards Dinner, held on November 4th at the Berkeley Yacht Club. Below is the (lightly edited) nomination submitted by Linda and Gary.
Local Sailor Kevin Kornegay Aids in Rescue on Lake Tahoe
Kevin Kornegay, a resident of South Lake Tahoe, serves as the captain of the Race Committee Boat for the South Lake Tahoe Windjammers Yacht Club (SLTWYC). Recently, the club’s committee boat of choice has been the Phoenix, a refurbished and repurposed fireboat.
The Phoenix was restored by Greg Felton, an avid sailor, SLTWYC member, and Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club member. After completing the restoration, Felton made the vessel available for use by any government or non-profit organization in the Tahoe Basin. Today, the Phoenix is a versatile resource, serving as a reserve fireboat, a platform for lake cleanup and conservation efforts, an educational vessel, and an additional law enforcement asset.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Kevin and members of the SLTWYC Race Committee anchored the Phoenix just north of the west entrance to Tahoe Keys to oversee a race. As part of their duties, the crew set flags, calculated wind patterns, and coordinated other race logistics.
Suddenly, a personal powerboat approached the bright red Phoenix, its occupants waving frantically. They reported that another powerboat in the same area was on fire and in distress.
Acting swiftly, Kevin radioed for assistance on Channel 16, the universal emergency frequency. The Coast Guard responded immediately, gathering details and dispatching help. Within minutes, vessels from the Washoe County Sheriff, El Dorado County Sheriff, and South Lake Tahoe Police arrived on the scene.
The South Lake Tahoe Police tied up to the distressed vessel, which was taking on water due to a manifold malfunction that caused heavy smoke and flooding. Using a pump, they stabilized the situation and safely towed the boat and its passengers to Tahoe Keys Marina.
Afterward, police officers returned to the Phoenix to thank Kevin for his quick and decisive actions. His use of Channel 16 was instrumental in coordinating the multi-agency response, ultimately saving the boat and the lives of its passengers.
Reflecting on the experience, Kevin said, “It made me feel really good because I knew what to do to help our community. The Phoenix is and looks official, and so it attracted attention. I called for assistance using Channel 16, and it worked perfectly.”
Congratulations to Kevin on his nomination and award!
