LAST SPLICE: Brion Toss

The Pacific Northwest lost one its most cherished sons when master rigger, renowned author, accomplished teacher and lecturer, and all-around waterfront philosopher Brion Toss passed away in early June, at age 69. After spending decades high aloft rigging everything from square-riggers to spindly ocean racers in ports around the planet, it was bile-duct cancer that brought down the beloved mariner.

Born in Kentucky but raised in Seattle, it was the lovely seaside community of Port Townsend, Washington, where Toss ultimately settled down and made his name. His rigging shop, Brion Toss Yacht Riggers, was a fixture in the town for several decades. But his influence in the sailing world spread far and wide.

Toss’ true passion was passing along the intricacies of his craft to all interested parties, beginning with his 1984 book, The Rigger’s Apprentice, the definitive work on the topic. In addition to several other books, he gave hundreds of seminars and produced countless videos. Teaching came naturally to him, and he was very good at it, mixing his own blend of humor and insight with his technical knowledge, which made the subject both fun and accessible.

Though he was given only a few months to live after the initial diagnosis, Toss carried forth long enough to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at last year’s Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, which was more than fitting; he launched his career at the inaugural one over 40 years ago.

Brion Toss is gone; the mark he left is indelible.

Brion Toss—rigger, author, teacher, mentor, husband—will be missed throughout the sailing community. His book, The Rigger’s Apprentice, has a place on the bookshelves of many cruising sailboats.