CYC member Bob Riggle and his partner, Phyllis Macay, who began a world cruise in 2007 and whose J/109 Gaiawas named the club’s cruising boat of the year for 2008, were among four Americans reported murdered by Somali pirates Tuesday off the coast of East Africa.

Riggle and Macay were aboard a Davidson 58, Quest, owned by Scott and Jean Adam of Marina Del Rey, near Los Angeles, who also were shot to death by the pirates. The yacht had been commandeered by the pirates several days earlier.

Four U.S. Navy warships had been trailing the captured yacht, and Navy SEALs quickly boarded the vessel after hearing gunfire. Two pirates were killed, 13 captured, and the remains of two others were also found.

Macay and Riggle had sailed almost three quarters of the way around the world on their own boat, Gaia. They joined the Blue Water Rally in Panama in February 2008 and sailed across the Pacific with other participants.

As of 2009, they were cruising the Mediterranean. Friends in Seattle said Gaia has been out of the water in Europe for about 18 months. Macay, 59, was a consultant and Riggle, 67, was a retired veterinarian.

Before leaving on their world Cruise, Riggle had competed on Gaia in CYC’s racing program. He also was a Laser sailor, friends said.