Usually ships sound their horns to announce an arrival, a departure, or even impending danger – but sometimes, and only very rarely, as a sailor’s salute. On Wednesday, June 26 th at 1700 the yachting community came together to blast their whistles in unison as a special send off for a fallen sailor who touched the hearts of many here and all over the world.
Martin George Krog passed away on October 20th 2022 in the comfort of his home with friends, losing an ongoing battle with his health. Marty as his friends knew him, was born Port Elizabeth, South Africa on May 13th 1962. After his army service, Marty joined a small sailing vessel out of Cape Town in 1986 and began his journey north to America where he quickly engrossed himself in the yachting community around Fort Lauderdale.
In the late 90’s he started to make a base for himself in Europe, eventually settling in Palma de Mallorca. During his sailing years he crewed and raced on notable yachts such as Shamrock V, Alexia, Aspiration, Maximizer and many more. With multiple trans Atlantics, Mediterranean, US East Coast, Indian ocean and Caribbean seasons under his belt, he rose to be a respected captain in the industry and a friend to many along the way. His departure is an immense and widely felt loss, conveyed in that rare and special sounding of the ship’s horns. A sign of deep respect for a man who was truly loved and adored, and a final farewell tribute to a yachting legend we’ll never forget. Marty will be kept alive by his stories and his family name will survive by his daughter Kayla, his sister Renee, and his nieces Shelby and Dew.
By Matt Panighetti