A Tiverton woman known widely as an accomplished sailor has been identified as the person killed in a Sunday collision between a catamaran sailboat and a power boat on the lower bay.

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today is identifying Sandra G. Tartaglino, 60, of 46 Arrowhead Drive (off Nanaquaket Road), Tiverton, as the victim. While competing in a regatta that she had organized, she was killed after the two-person catamaran she was sailing was struck by a powerboat a short distance north of the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge at around 2:45 p.m.

Ms. Tartaglino was competing in the New England 100 regatta, an event run by the NACRA Sailing Association.

A Coast Guard spokesman said the catamaran was being sailed in a southerly direction when it crossed paths with a 25-foot powerboat.

DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) is investigating the incident, which is pending an autopsy, reconstruction, and witness statements. DEM has no timeframe on the investigation but will release a preliminary report later this week. "DEM has no further information at this time and will not comment on an ongoing investigation."

The F-18 racing catamaran Eastern Area group said, “The 30th Annual New England 100 was held this past weekend in Newport, RI. Organized by Sandra Tartaglino, she was involved in a horrible collision with a motorboat on Sunday which resulted in her passing away. The entire sailing community is absolutely devastated by this news and Sandra will be truly missed.

Thank you for everything you did for the community Sandra. You will be irreplaceable and truly missed."

The organization continued, “Sandra had organized this 30th anniversary event and she was at the very first one 30 years ago. Her parents were on site Saturday night for their annual support of providing their famous stuffed quahogs. As always, she was giving back to the sport which she loved so much. 
Sandra was actively serving as USF18 Class Treasurer which she held for many years. She always went above and beyond in the interest of the class and anyone that needed her help. Her support was instrumental in many events in the Northeast and all throughout the country. 
Sandra loved catamaran sailing so much that she sailed anything from Nacra 6.0s in the Worrell 1000, Hobie 16s to Nacra 17s and more.

"She was a true competitor. She actively competed and placed in many major Championships. 
Always thinking of others, she would bring brownies to give away during pack-up at nearly every event. In 2014, when she couldn't make it to the F18 North American Championships in Texas, she mailed a giant batch of her famous brownies to her fellow sailors and friends — a true testament to how caring a person she was. 
Just one week ago she handily won the Buzzards Bay Regatta on her F18 and this past weekend she was organizing the regatta in which this accident occurred. 
Sandra was an amazing woman, tough competitor, and dear friend we all learned so much from her on and off the water. While she passed away doing what she loved, she was taken far too soon and will be truly missed.
 Thank you for everything Sandra. Fair Winds and may you rest in peace."