Very productive planning meeting for the annual West Marine Challenged America Regatta.

The WMCA Regatta is organized by the Cortez Racing Association (CRA) and the South West Yacht Club (SWYC), the title sponsor, you guessed it is West Marine.

It’s a big event for us, actually, our main fundraiser and we look forward to the 2011 event.

The WMCA is a two day event; starts on Friday with the Commodores’ Cup. The commodores of the local yacht clubs are competing on our Martin 16 boats specially designed to be handled by sailors with disabilities.

The regatta is followed by our annual gala, this year at the South West Yacht Club brand new club house (you should see that place) with keynote speaker (to be announced), silent auction and, if we can find an auctioneer (any auctioneer willing to donate time and skills?), a live auction.

Saturday is the official regatta, we are expecting 50 to 70 boats (anybody from up North interested in a great cause? We’ll have the details soon) By the way, since the Etchells World Championship will be in San Diego at the same time, it’s a great opportunity to rub elbow with famous sailors) We are hoping John Bertran can make it this year, he is a big friend of Challenged America. Come on down and race in our beautiful bay.

After the regatta, the after race party is hosted by West Marine and it’s always a lot of fun and an opportunity to win new toys for your boat, rub elbow with fellow sailors, good food and good beer and wine.

Put it on your calendar, June 10 and 11

We are looking for volunteers, sponsors, donations of products and services for the auction. Call Carolyn at (619) 523-9318 or