Sailors Take to the Seas Off Dana Point in Memory of Jeffrey Adam

Submitted by Valerie Rhodes:

More than 40 sailors took to the ocean yesterday, ranging in age from 10 to 70, in the 2nd annual Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta. Some of the younger, novice sailors appeared a bit nervous as they sailed their little 8-foot Sabots out to sea in gusty winds. Once on the water, under the close supervision of surrounding safety boats, all participants enjoyed a chilly day of competitive racing under sunny skies.

The regatta was planned by local sailor Liz Fletcher (17) to honor her friend Jeffrey Adam, who died unexpectedly in June 2011 shortly after being diagnosed with meningitis. Proceeds from the event benefited the Dana Point Youth Charitable Foundation, which promotes youth sailing in Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Point Yacht Club hosted an awards ceremony and dinner following the regatta. The Jeffrey Adam Spirit Award was awarded to David Cornella (17) of Laguna Niguel for the second year in a row. The Spirit Award is  voted on by fellow sailors and given to someone who embodies the spirit of friendship and competition displayed by Jeff.  Pearce Mendoza (11) won the Festival of Whales Junior Charity Regatta Trophy by taking first place in the Sabot class.

Fletcher staged the inaugural regatta last year as her community service project to achieve the rank of Quartermaster in the Mariners Sea Scout program. Her goal was to share Jeff’s passion for sailing and teaching others to sail.

To learn more about how you can support the work of the Dana Point Youth Charitable Foundation, visit them at www.dpycf.org