22 - TCnbc Magazine
Stuart -- The unexpected tragic death of Jensen Beach local and hydroplane boat racing legend Chuck “The Rookie” Woodruff stunned family, friends and the community Sunday afternoon, March 18, 2012. Woodruff, a national champion and Hall of Famer, was killed during the Spring Thunder Regatta in Tavares on Lake Dora when his boat crashed with the boat of Dea Wiseley during the exhibition weekend.
“We were shocked by the news of Chuck’s passing,” stated Rusty Sedlack, president of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta Board of Directors. “He was a legend in the boat racing community and a dear friend. It all seems rather unreal.”
An emergency Stuart Sailfish Regatta board meeting was held on Monday, March 19, 2012 to discuss the future of the event. The Board voted to proceed with the Regatta that will take place April 13-15, 2012 at the Stuart Causeway.
Sedlack said, “The Regatta was Chuck’s dream. He wanted to bring this race back to the Treasure Coast and share his passion for the water and hydroplane boat racing with the community. We spoke to his wife on Sunday evening and she encouraged us to keep going. Chuck put so much of his time, effort and money into making sure this event was a success, we couldn’t just let it pass along with him. This is our way of paying tribute to such a wonderful man.”
In one of Woodruff’s last interviews conducted a week prior to his untimely passing, he talked about his career and the Treasure Coast’s rich history of boat racing.
Woodruff said, “My racing career started in Florida at the Miami Marine Stadium in 1968. At that time, the Stuart Sailfish Regatta was one of the best on the Florida Circuit. We came to Stuart from 1967 to 1984 and raced at the same location. Racers came from all over the United States to race in Stuart and have some fun. Boat racing continued in Martin County for nearly six more years after that.”
Woodruff was sad to see the end of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta. It became his life’s mission to revive the event that had given him, other racers and families such joy throughout the years. He worked diligently along with the Stuart Sailfish Regatta Board of Directors to get the appropriate permits, environmental tests and other necessary approvals to bring this long-standing tradition back to the Treasure Coast.
“It’s very sad that we won’t be able to share with Chuck the results of all of his hard work,” said Sedlack somberly. “I know he would be ecstatic that we’re continuing on in his absence. Chuck would have insisted.”
The super-charged weekend of festivities kicks off Friday, April 13th with a party for racing crews, sponsors and other VIPs featuring spirits, bites, live music and a gorgeous view of the Indian River Lagoon. On April 14thand 15th, gates are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Stuart Causeway to view the American Power Boat Association sanctioned event. Tell your friends and gather the family to see hydroplane racing up close.
Woodruff’s Dream Coming True After Accidental Death