In Memoriam: Peter Barrett

December 15, 2023

by Greg Miarecki

This month, we must say goodbye to our friend Peter Barrett, who died on November 27th at the age of 92. Peter was a longtime member of the Chicago Yacht Club, an outstanding racing sailor, a highly accomplished professional, and a great friend to many of us. The Club published a nice tribute to him earlier this month, and you can read his obituary here.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Peter and his wife Betsy for many years.

Peter was a longtime Island Goat, and as a fellow Island Goat, I heard him give many Treasurer’s reports at the annual Island Goat dinner. Peter was always the star of the show, giving a report in less than 30 seconds and cutting to the bottom line – “we have money and all is well.” Peter and I were both brothers in Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and while he graduated well before me, we bonded over our mutual connection. Soon thereafter, Peter invited me to race with him and Betsy in the Club’s Annual Old Guard Race, which I did for several years. It was one of the highlights of my sailing career – racing with and against our Club’s racing legends. Last year, Peter came within an eyelash of winning the regatta a fifth time after nailing a right shift coming off the land north of Belmont Harbor.

Peter was also a great friend to the Foundation. He and Betsy have regularly supported the Foundation’s work for many years, and when I became its President, Peter generously provided wise advice and counsel. He and Betsy are directly responsible for some of the great things we’ve been able to do over the past few years. We are grateful that Peter’s family have requested donations to the Foundation in his memory. I hope you join me in making a donation during our Annual Appeal in Peter’s memory – click here to make a donation.

Peter was simply the best, and his support and encouragement will continue to inspire us.