Reader Report: Balboa Yacht Club regatta raises money for Children’s Hospital
For the 17th year, Balboa Yacht Club hosted the CHOC Regatta, partnered with the CHOC Glass Slipper Guild and their many volunteers.
Racing and related festivities happened in conjunction with the Sunkist Races the weekend of Nov. 5-6.
Many BYC members, as well as racers from other clubs, got together to raise more than $56,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. With summer-like temperatures, it was an ideal weekend to participate or to simply take in the regatta events as a spectator.
A special thank you to VIP Sponsor Northwestern Mutual of Irvine, and BYC Burgee sponsor Cambridge Companies for all of your support.
While the racers were busy on the water, BYC welcomed sailors and non-sailors alike to the Family Fun Day on the Flag Deck. Saturday’s newly added activities were enjoyed by all the kids, as they danced along with Nick the Music Man, bounced in the bounce house and enjoyed face painting and nautical-themed crafts. Special appearances by River and Lexie, two of CHOC Children’s Pet Therapy volunteer dogs, were a welcome addition as well.
On Saturday, 74 boats, representing 10 different sailing organizations, competed for CHOC in the inside classes. Those trophies were presented by Rear Commodore Bill Bloomberg to Bob Larzelere in the Thistle Class, Phillip Thompson for Harbor 20 A, Tucker Cheadle for Harbor 20 B and Ross Watanabe for Harbor 20 C.
Martin Bonsager was first in the Laser Fleet, John Papadopoulos in the Lido 14 A fleet, Denise Ogier in the Lido 14 B. Karen Luttrell was first in the Sabot A’s, Elaine Lindhoff in Sabot B and Sammy Hemans in the Junior Sabot fleet.
On Sunday, 15 keel boats from five yacht clubs raced in five divisions in the ocean near the Balboa Pier. Winners included Bob Kettenhoffen’s “Dare” in Division A, Staff Commodore Alan Andrews’ “Andrews 38” in Division B, Brian Dougherty’s “Legacy” in Division C, Mark Hunter’s “In Appropriate” in Division D, and Jim Devling in E.
The winner of the CHOC Cup for the largest amount donated to the regatta was once again BYC member Jim Devling, owner of “Campaign II.” His compassion and unwavering efforts to raise funds for this important cause are truly inspiring.
No child is ever turned away at CHOC because they may not have insurance or the means to pay for treatment. In order for this to be able to continue to happen they need help from people like us.
CHOC is an exceptional place, dedicated to treating and loving the more than 210,000 children who come to them every year. From the incredibly dedicated doctors and nurses to the tireless research which takes place in order to save the children who come to them, you can feel the love and commitment that takes place every day. How lucky we are to have such a place in our community for our children.
The CHOC regatta is held annually with the next events scheduled for Nov. 4-5, 2017. Please put it on your calendars!
Many great sponsors provide a variety of incentives for bidding on auction items, in addition to the special thrill of helping CHOC Children by having a wonderful day on the water in beautiful Newport Beach. The CHOC regatta is part of the BYC Sunkist Series, which will continue on the first weekend of December, January and February.
Additional information, complete results and photos are available at balboayachtclub.com.