For many people, yacht clubs are synonymous with sailboat races, waterfront dinners, and social gatherings. But across Southern California, yacht clubs are demonstrating, more than ever, that their greatest impact often extends well beyond the marina.
Whether raising money for cancer research, supporting youth sailing organizations, or strengthening community partnerships, yacht clubs throughout the region continue to use their passion for boating as a vehicle for philanthropy.
That tradition was on full display this summer during two separate events: the long-running Cure Cancer Cup Regatta hosted by King Harbor Yacht Club and the second annual Southern California Yachting Invitational in Two Harbors on Catalina Island.
Together, the events illustrate a growing trend among Southern California yacht clubs that blends friendly competition with meaningful charitable giving.
More than three decades after it was established in memory of a young sailor lost to cancer, the Cure Cancer Cup Regatta continues to unite Southern California’s sailing community in support of lifesaving medical research.
Hosted annually by King Harbor Yacht Club, the 34th running of the Cure Cancer Cup Regatta recently raised $85,000 for cancer research at Cedars-Sinai, bringing the event’s lifetime fundraising total to more than $935,000. Organizers say the regatta is now closing in on its long-standing goal of raising $1 million through what has become known as its “March to a Million.”
Founded in honor of sailor Tom Collier, who died from cancer at the age of 31, the event has become one of King Harbor Yacht Club’s signature traditions. Every dollar raised supports research conducted at a Cedars-Sinai laboratory dedicated to advancing cancer treatment.
This year’s regatta featured 30 sailboats ranging from 15 to 48 feet competing in a pursuit race, a format designed to level the playing field among a variety of boat designs. In pursuit racing, the slowest-rated boats start first while the fastest boats begin later, with the first boat to cross the finish line declared the winner.
The format once again delivered an exciting finish.
After approximately 10 miles of racing, the top two boats crossed the finish line just 37 seconds apart. Early wind conditions favored the slower-rated boats this year, allowing them to claim the top six overall finishing positions.
Spectators gathered on the upper deck of the King Harbor Yacht Club clubhouse were treated to a dramatic finish as the fleet approached the final downwind leg under colorful spinnaker sails before crossing the finish line directly in front of the clubhouse.
Following the racing, participants and supporters gathered for an awards celebration featuring appetizers, a taco bar, cake, live music and fundraising activities that included raffles, silent auctions and a spirited live auction. Donated items from local businesses and supporters ranged from fine wines and boat excursions to sports packages and a weeklong Florida vacation.
The coveted Tom Collier Memorial Trophy, a Wyland dolphin sculpture, was awarded to Roger O’Connor and junior crew member Mia Delanty, who captured the overall victory aboard the Melges 15 Pressure.
Overall results included Roger O’Connor and Mia Delanty aboard Pressure in first place, Burr Hope aboard Déjà Vu in second, Ray McVey aboard Wave Dancer in third, Dan Fort aboard Amorcito in fourth and Katie Priest aboard Miss Behavin’ in fifth.
Additional class winners included Russ Wasden (Hot Rum) in PHRF A, Richard Benner (Smilemaker) in the Multihull division, Katie Priest (Miss Behavin’) as Top Female Skipper, Henry Mackender and Koa Balk (Fly Away) as Top Junior Crew, Scott Haisman (Soul Shine) as Top Cruiser, Chris Gorog (Spirit of California) as second-place Cruiser and Pam Eubanks (Meassis Dragon) as Top Female Cruiser.
Organizers also recognized longtime regatta chair Tracey McMartin and the volunteer committee whose efforts have helped the event grow into one of Southern California’s premier charity sailing competitions.
King Harbor Yacht Club is not alone in demonstrating how yacht clubs can use boating to support worthwhile causes.
Just weeks later, more than 184 participants aboard 80 boats gathered in Two Harbors for the second annual Southern California Yachting Invitational, a collaborative event that combined interclub competition, fellowship and fundraising.
Founded by West Coast Yacht Club, Cerritos Bahia Yacht Club and Shoreline Yacht Club, the Invitational was created with two primary goals: strengthening relationships among neighboring yacht clubs while raising money for charitable organizations selected by participating clubs.
Building on the success of its inaugural event, this year’s Invitational welcomed Huntington Harbor Yacht Club and Little Ships Fleet Yacht Club, expanding both the competition and the event’s charitable reach.
Unlike traditional regattas that crown a single sailing champion, the Southern California Yachting Invitational uses a team-based format in which clubs earn points through a variety of friendly competitions held throughout the weekend. The winning club earns the privilege of directing the event’s charitable proceeds to the nonprofit organization it selected before the competition began.
Thanks to donations from participants, raffle supporters and auction contributors, this year’s Invitational raised $3,320 for the Long Beach Sea Scouts, the charity selected by overall champion Cerritos Bahia Yacht Club.
While the fundraising total may seem modest compared to larger charitable regattas, organizers say the Invitational’s greatest success lies in bringing yacht clubs together while creating new opportunities to support community organizations.
One of the weekend’s signature events was the ever-popular Dinghy Hop, where participating clubs transformed their tenders into floating themed destinations complete with decorations, costumes, appetizers and signature beverages.
West Coast Yacht Club embraced a humorous “Redneck Yacht Club” theme complete with country-inspired décor and Southern-style refreshments. Little Ships Fleet Yacht Club transported participants to “Bora Bora” with tropical decorations, hula dancers and creative island-inspired food and drinks. Huntington Harbor Yacht Club celebrated patriotism with its “Island Patriot” theme, featuring red, white and blue decorations along with its signature Golden Eagle cocktail.
Participants spent the afternoon traveling from dinghy to dinghy throughout Two Harbors, meeting members from every participating club while enjoying each club’s creativity and hospitality.
Additional competitions included a rubber raft relay, an island-wide scavenger hunt, giant Team Jenga and cornhole, all contributing points toward the overall club standings before participants gathered at Buffalo Park for a catered dinner, raffles and auctions that generated the charitable proceeds.
Events like the Southern California Yachting Invitational demonstrate that today’s yacht clubs are evolving beyond traditional racing organizations. Increasingly, clubs are collaborating with one another, encouraging volunteerism and creating opportunities to give back to organizations that strengthen the broader boating community.
That same philosophy continues at King Harbor Yacht Club beyond the Cure Cancer Cup. Through its King Harbor Yacht Club Youth Foundation, the club introduces children and adults to sailing while helping cultivate the next generation of boaters. The club is also currently offering discounted memberships through Aug. 15 in an effort to make participation more accessible.
Although the Cure Cancer Cup is now less than $65,000 away from reaching its $1 million fundraising milestone, its impact cannot be measured solely in dollars raised. Together with events like the Southern California Yachting Invitational, it reflects a larger culture within Southern California’s yacht clubs, one built on volunteerism, camaraderie and community service.
Whether supporting groundbreaking cancer research, funding youth maritime programs like the Long Beach Sea Scouts or introducing new sailors to life on the water, these organizations continue to prove that some of their most important victories occur long after the race has ended.
For more information about King Harbor Yacht Club, visit khyc.org. Information about next year’s Southern California Yachting Invitational is available through West Coast Yacht Club.
