Lee Gentil

Lee Roy Gentil was born in Port Arthur, Texas in December 1934. After graduating from high school Gentil served in the Army National Guard in both Texas and Florida. From there he had several jobs including working in construction, as an insulation contractor, and as a cook. He quit the latter to return to working in insulation, initially in Miami before his company sent him to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Gentil returned to Texas but soon went back to San Juan where he founded his own insulation company.

Whilst living in Puerto Rico Gentil learned how to sail, competing in multiple races across the Caribbean. In 1966 he won gold in the Finn class at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Juan. Two years later Gentil represented Puerto Rico at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics as the helmsman in the 5.5 metres class. He competed at two more Olympics, the first at the 1972 München Games in the Finn class, and the second at the 1976 Montréal Games in the Soling class.