NEWS

Our 2nd annual WMCA fundraising event was bigger and better than last year.   The weekend began Friday afternoon with the Commodore's Challenge, followed Friday night by the dinner and gala at the Bali Hai Restaurant 's outdoor Hawaiian pavilion.  The pavilion was filled to capacity with 150 people enjoying the food and music of the Don Ross Band.   Dennis Conner arrived, after having sailed all day competing in the Etchells North American championships, and made introductory remarks including anecdotes about his America's Cup experiences and forecast for the future of the Cup.    Dennis is a big supporter of Challenged America and we certainly appreciated his time.  He was followed by our keynote speaker, Dr. Laura Schlessinger.  Most everyone knows her as the popular radio talk show host "Dr. Laura."  Many didn't know she is an accomplished sailor also.  Her keynote address focused on her sailing experiences beginning with her introduction to sailing, including a few missteps along the way.   She drew lots of laughter describing those missteps (most sailors being able to relate to those experiences early in their sailing lives).   You didn't have to be a sailor though to be touched by her descriptions of her love of sailing, the sea, the wind, the moon,  and the sounds of the water lapping at the hull.   Everyone appreciated being able to share the experiences she described.   The evening wrapped up with the Don Ross Band playing until 10:00.  Our own Urban Miyares was spotted dancing the night away.  We were never sure who stopped first, Urban or the band.   When all was said and done, the night was a resounding success.   The gala was followed the next day by the WMCA Regatta hosted by Cortez Racing Association with all entry fees donated by CRA to Challenged America.     42 boats competed, including Alec Oberschmidt's locally famous yacht "Staghound."  Alec graciously gave up the helm to Dr. Laura to compete against the equally famous America's Cup yacht  "Abracadabra,"  which owner Troy Sears of Dennis Conner's America's Cup Experience generously brought to the start line to create the match up.   It's quite a site to watch two such beautiful yachts compete.  The event concluded with an after race party and award ceremony hosted by West Marine in their Rosecrans store's parking lot.   Lots of food and beverages donated by many local restaurants, combined with live music and a very lively raffle provided  great fun and camaraderie for all the racers and their crews in attendance. 

Success at 2nd Annual West Marine Challenged America Regatta

Wooden Boat Festival

New Martin 16 Launched

THE CRANES, FOUNDING SPONSORS, CONTINUE TO GIVE
Loch and Clare Crane are well-known San Diegans and boaters.   Members of the San Diego Yacht Club forever (as they say it), Loch Crane was a San Diego architect for years, and Clare Crane a SDSU history professor before their retirement.

First being introduced to Challenged America in 2000, the Cranes have been strong supporters of the Challenged America philosophy and introducing sailing to kids and adults with disabilities, and especially disabled veterans, Loch being a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War.

Recently, the Crane Family Trust made a most generous contribution allowing Challenged America to purchase a new Martin 16 adaptive sailboat (named "Ahab's Rehab") and trailer.  This makes the fifth Martin 16 that the Cranes have donated to the Challenged America program, in addition to other philanthropic contributions over the past 10 years. Ahab's Rehab was launched on May 25th in the Koehler Kraft Boat Yard

Founding Sponsors are individuals and businesses which have contributed greater than $100,000 in cash and/or donated $250,000 or more (in value) of product, vessels, and tangible assets.  Loch and Clare Crane have been founding members of Challenged America for a number of years, along with Brian and Suzanne Hull of Coronado, and Steve Rock, owner of Fiddler's Green Restaurant on Shelter Island.