Eight Bells: Carmen Diaz

Carmen Diaz passed away peacefully at home on September 2, surrounded by her family. Born in 1930 in Havana, Cuba, Carmen was widely known and loved across the international sailing community.

In 1951, she married Gonzalo Diaz. They had three children: Gonzalo, Agustín (Augie), and Ana. In Cuba, they lived on the penthouse floor of the family business in El Vedado—a period defined by hard work, raising their children, trips to their beach house, and sailing out of the Miramar Yacht Club. Carmen actively raced alongside Gonzalo, including a famous regatta in Cuba while pregnant with Augie.

The Cuban Revolution forced them to start anew in the United States. Settling in Miami, Gonzalo established his business while Carmen raised their children and taught mathematics at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, where she also served as assistant principal.

Carmen accompanied Gonzalo to regattas worldwide, earning the admiration of countless sailors for her grace and kindness. A vital pillar of the sailing world and the Snipe class family, her name has long been honored by the Carmen Diaz Trophy, awarded to the top under-18 team at the Snipe Women’s World Championship.

Many sailors cherished her hospitality during her famous Sunday dinners in Miami. Her warmth made everyone feel at home, and I will deeply miss her voice, her warm embrace.

Her presence was also a constant at the CGSC during the Cuban dinners at the Don Q and other major regattas in Miami. Our deepest condolences go out to Gonzalo Jr., Augie, Ana, and her entire family.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/miami-fl/carmen-diaz-13025621

“La regata de la Luna” The moon snipe race. Gonzalo won with Carmen pregnant with Augie