Elizabeth S.E. Helme ’75

Sally, a resident of Middletown, R.I., died unexpectedly on March 20, 2024. Born to Bonnie and Jay Helme ’54 when her father was still finishing his degree at Princeton, she grew up in Paoli, Pa., and was a graduate of The Agnes Irwin School. At Princeton, she joined Colonial Club and earned her A.B. in history and history and philosophy of science. She later received a master’s degree in finance from Salve Regina University.

Freshman year, Sally joined nine roommates in a large duplex suite in 1939 Hall and was accompanied all around campus by her faithful Springer spaniel, Snoopy. Her enthusiasm for Princeton basketball was boundless. Although Sally intended to become a veterinarian, because vets then had to be certified to treat large animals as well as small, her allergy to horses ruled her out. She was nevertheless an accomplished horsewoman, taking anti-allergens to enjoy time with her horse, Wilbur. After graduation, she pivoted to her next love, sailing.

It was during family summers on Shelter Island, N.Y., that Sally developed her skills and passion for sailing and boating. She sailed one design boats for multiple regattas and later moved up to large handicap boats. She was Shelter Island Yacht Club’s first female sailing director and later its first female trustee. After a post-graduation stint as a yacht broker, Sally pivoted again to publications about sailing, where she established an illustrious career.

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She was a founder of The Yacht magazine and was the first female publisher in the sailing industry. Her most recent and final post was as publisher emeritus for both Sailing World and Cruising World magazines, which she served for over two decades. A leader and advocate for women sailors, she served on various boards and received numerous awards in the sailing and marine industries. International Women in Boating, of which she was a founding member, presented her its Betty Cook Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.

Sally had a jolly (at times ribald) sense of humor, was a faithful friend, and always possessed profound compassion beyond her years. Her positive outlook and big heart will be missed by all who admired her resilience and tremendous spirit.    

Sally’s parents predeceased her. She is survived by her siblings: Suzy Helme, Sandy Griffin, and Skip Helme; six nieces and nephews; and a number of cousins, including Kathleen Zeller ’75, Raymond Zeller, Jr. ’77, and Cary Helme Bruestle ’78.

The class joins Sally’s friends and family in mourning the loss of a remarkable woman.