By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West The San Diego Yacht Club hosted 87 submariners for the regatta, barbecue and award ceremony, to show its appreciation to those who serve in the military.
Yacht club members invited Sailors onto their sailboats to serve as crew members for the race on San Diego Bay
"Many of the people at San Diego Yacht Club have prior service," said Garrett O'Brien, a member of the club and regatta coordinator. "A lot of us feel like we are giving a little bit back to the people who put on the uniform and go in harm's way to protect us."
O'Brien said that the event was designed to be a community bonding effort that keeps the military and the yacht club in the public eye.
A total of 17 sailboats participating in the regatta. The sailboats needed to complete the 8-mile course in two hours or less.
Local Sailors received first-hand training on how to unwind the sails, steer the boats and learned new sailing terminology. For some of the Sailors, it was their first time to experience a sailboat race.
"I had a great time. This was my first time sailing," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eddie Cashion, assigned to USS Hampton (SSN 767). "I learned a lot about the fundamentals and it's actually invigorating to go out there to sail, pull the lines and steer the boat."
At the end of the day, it was the "Claudia IV" and her team of Sailors claiming first place honors. Prizes were awarded during a barbecue held after the race.
"I had a great time with everyone on my boat," said Cashion. "I liked that we weren't so much about the race, it was about cruising around the bay."
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