Ellen has contributed to Noonsite for many years and her volunteer cruising station was of great help to all cruisers in the Philippines.

Published 11 years ago, updated 5 years ago

The cruising community suffered a great loss at the recent unexpected passing of

Ellen Lee Kwen, who, along with her sailing partner, Kjartan Sekkingstad, (s/v Wiskun) were managing couple for the Holiday Ocean View Marina in the Davao area of Mindanao in the Philippines.

Ellen collapsed suddenly on 17 April 2013, when a blood vessel broke in the lower area behind the brain. She remained in a coma until her death on 19 June.

Ellen had been a driving force in developing and promoting awareness of Samal Island and the Davao area of Mindanao as a safe and secure, typhoon-free cruising destination for sailing and motor yachts, especially after the recent completion of the Holiday Ocean View Marina, the only marina and haul-out facility in the area for yachts of this category.

In August/Sep of 2012, Ellen, acting as a liaison between agencies in the Philippines and Indonesia, helped to promote “Sail Morotai”, the first yacht rally between the two countries. The response was so well received, that another rally is planned this year from Samal to Derawan, Indonesia, now called “Festival Derawan 2013”.

She and Kjartan were Cruising Station hosts because of their welcome, their responsiveness, their new yard and clubhouse facilities featuring very reasonable prices, and most of all for the uniquely close community spirit they created among all who arrive here. They truly fostered the spirit of camaraderie.

Ellen will be deeply missed.

For the moment, Kjartan remains at Holiday Ocean View Marina as manager.

Several yachties here at the Marina, who knew Ellen, started up a memorial fund to commission a painting, in memory of Ellen, to be presented to the marina clubhouse, so that her welcome will continue to touch all who arrive.

Luc Callebaut

S/v Sloepmouche

Currently moored at Holiday Ocean View Marina

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