March 10, 2013
James Gilmore, Skipper of Uncontrollable Urge and Crew

As we try to piece together the horrific events of Friday night and early Saturday morning, the crew of Uncontrollable Urge wants to express their appreciation for the support of the sailing and land-based communities at this difficult time. We are all grieving and share in the loss of this loved family man and team member. There are no words to express how much Craig meant to each of us, and we know how much his loss is felt in the Williams family.

We would also like to thank the US Coast Guard for their assistance and professionalism. Without their heroism, the outcome of this tragedy would have been much worse.

Thanks also to San Diego Yacht Club, Silver Gate Yacht Club, and Newport Harbor Yacht Club for their assistance and understanding.

Lastly, we ask that people donate to the memorial fund that has been established to assist the Craig Williams Family. The fund can be found at www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/Honor-the-memory-of-Craig-Williams-husband-father-and-friend/46040.

On Friday March 9, 2013 at approximately 9:26 pm, while participating on the 4th annual Islands Race, the crew reported rudder failure on their VHF marine radio. They were in the vicinity of San Clemente Island at the time.

Uncontrollable Urge is a Columbia 32 Carbon sail boat hailing from Silver Gate Yacht Club, owned and skippered by James Gilmore. Crew included Mike Mike Skillicorn, Doug Pajak, Craig Williams, Ryan Georgianna and Vince Valdes. The crew attempted to launch a life raft and attempted to set an anchor before abandoning the vessel to swim to shore. The vessel was reportedly destroyed by the surf at the shoreline of San Clemente Island.

A Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted the six sailors and brought them to the San Diego Coast Guard Sector where they were met by emergency medical personnel for transport to a local hospital. Unfortunately, one of the crewmembers was deceased. The San Diego County Medical Examiner identified the man who was killed as 36-year-old Craig Thomas Williams, of San Diego.
Uncontrollable Urge at Islands Race Start
Photo courtesy of John Fuller

Chuck Hope
Commodore SDYC

Paul A. Marshall
Commodore NHYC