(New Haven-WTNH, Sept. 22, 2006 6:15 PM) _ The parents of a woman
killed in a accident on Long Island Sound want people who sail the
Sound to continue to do so and not be scared by what happened. Gina
Bortolotti spent much of her adult life on the water, but was ready to
settle down on dry land.

by News Channel 8's Erin Cox
For Gina, a trained sea captain and chef on a charter yacht, every day
was an adventure. Her dad says at age 29 she had literally seen the
world.

"We were so proud and amazed by her life," Dan Bortolotti said in a
telephone interview Friday.

Gina was on the 92 foot luxury yacht Essence Wednesday when somehow it
collided with the 600 foot coal carrier Barkald traveling on Long
Island Sound. The Coast Guard pulled her out of the water, but Gina
didn't make it.

"There's no way to describe the grief. It's bottomless," Dan said.

"She's got an unlimited amount of love and people missing her," says
mom Linda Bortolotti.

Gina was embarking on her biggest adventure, getting married to first
mate Nardus Bothma. He survived the collision.

"These two people absolutely shined together," Dan said.

They had sailed the world, exploring, enjoying, falling in love.

"Their lifestyle was something made in a fairy land," Dan said.

They had just purchased a house in California, planning to give up
their working adventures next year and anchor together, forever.

"It was phenomenal the lifestyle she had, but she always kept her feet
on the ground," Dan said.

Gina's family now treasures her adventurous spirit and takes comfort
that when she was home they held her close.

"Every time we met coming or going we always took the time to hug each
other," Dan said. "Now I know why."

Gina's parents say their daughter's ashes will be spread over the ocean
in California. This is very difficult for them because the house their
daughter purchased was right next door to theirs.









Charlie Morgan wrote:
A 92 foot sailboat collided with a large coal transporter at about 4
am off of Port Jefferson this morning. Just like the crash a couple of
years ago when the crew of a sailboat was thrown overboard when hit by
a large Motoryacht in fog. The captain of that sailboat died.

The three people on the sailboat this time were all thrown overboard,
too. One was uninjured, one was injured slightly and the third was
pulled from the water unconsious.

Once again, I'll recommend that PFD's and tethers are a REALLY good
idea anytime you are in poor visibility conditions, even if it seems
as if conditions are otherwise benign.

CWM