Helen C. Johnstone, 47, an outgoing, caring and much loved member of the J Boats sailing family from Newport RI, died during an outing on the Potomac River the morning of June 4, 2008 in Washington, DC where she resided.Helen was born in Cali, Colombia on September 7, 1960. She was a graduate of the Choate School and the University of Rhode Island. She has served as an instructor at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School and J World Sailing School, and was a leading sales producer at Bloomingdales, Chico ’s and Ann Taylor stores in the D.C. area.
She was a competitive figure skater in her youth in Wilmette Il. Sailing accomplishments included 1st in the 1976 National Interscholastic Champs, a 3rd in 470s at the 1975 US Youth Champs and a 6th in the 1985 International Women’s Keelboat Championships. In 2007, she was a key member of the winning J/105 in the Newport Regatta and on her father's J/100 in winning the Maine Retired Skipper’s Race.
“Heli” will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her immediate family includes her parents, the Rev. Mary and Robert L. Johnstone, III of Boston and Newport RI; brother Stuart of Lake Forest, IL, and his sons Hunter and Ford; brother Drake and wife Elizabeth of Charlottesville, VA, and brother Peter of Jamestown RI and his son Nick and daughter India.
A memorial fund has been founded in Helen's honor to provide scholarships for under-privileged youth. Tax deductible donations may be sent to the: Helen C. Johnstone Memorial Fund c/o Sail Newport 60 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840.
