Nina Nielsen died suddenly Jan. 15, 2011, at her home in Newport Beach, Calif., of pulmonary emboli. She was 56.
Nina graduated from Riverside (Calif.) Polytechnic High School. At Princeton, she majored in biochemistry and was a member of the sailing team and Tower Club. She roomed with Lynne Rosenberg Eramo and Linda Simpson Ettinger. Following graduation, she received a doctor of dental science degree from Case Western Reserve University and specialty training at USC. She practiced endodontics in Irvine.
Nina was a lifelong sailor and member of Newport Harbor Yacht Club. In 1969, she was the first woman to win the Junior National Sabot Championship. Beginning in 1974, Nina led Princeton’s team to three consecutive wins of the Women’s National Collegiate Sailing Championship. In 1994, Nina was inducted into the Collegiate Sailing Hall of Fame. As an adult, she continued to sail Etchells-22s competitively. The International Naples Sabot Association created a trophy in her honor.
The class shares the sorrow of her husband, Thomas Smith; her daughter, Carolyn Smith; her father, Svend; siblings Pia Nielsen Wagner and Jack; and many nieces and nephews. The class will always hold the name of Nina Ann Nielsen in honor and affection.