The ringing of eight bells signifies the end of one's watch at sea and traditionally marks the passing of a sailor.
Dan H. Winters fulfilled many roles in his life. He was a husband, a father, a coach, a friend, a sailmaker, an animal lover, and when he was passionate about something, a well respected adversary. Of all the titles and roles that Dan held during his eighty years on this earth we will remember him because of the great knowledge he bestowed upon us and his selfless dedication to the causes he upheld. A man of moral and principle he taught thousands of people life lessons while becoming better sailors in the process.
Dan operated Winters Sailmakers for forty years and was the head sailing coach at Christopher Newport University for twenty two years. He was a two-time inductee to the College Sailing Hall of Fame being recognized in 2003 for the Graham Hall Outstanding Service by a Professional and in 2013 he received the Campbell Family Lifetime of Service Award. After retiring from coaching in 2012, Dan continued to be the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association's scheduler until his passing. He constantly tried to improve the multi-faceted layers of the conference to bring better and equal competition to all levels.
There will be "Dan's Happy Hour" on Saturday, November 2 at the Christopher Newport Sailing Center located at 494 Menchville Road South Newport News, VA 23602 starting at 3PM. The event will take place after the Christopher Newport University Sailing Team Alumni Regatta and before the CNU Oyster Roast.
There will be no service at Dan's request, and the family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the CNU Sailing Foundation.