Tall ships won’t be the only vessels on the water around Dana Point this weekend. The Dana Point Yacht Club’s Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta also sets sail.
The event, in its 15th year, will feature a series of races and other activities to raise money for the Ocean Institute’s Adopt a Class scholarship, which provides hands-on science education programs for children. Regatta co-chairwoman Barbara Merriman said this is the seventh straight year the yacht club has selected the program as the regatta’s beneficiary.
Saturday
8 a.m.: Pancake breakfast
8:30 a.m.: SUP sprint race (about a quarter-mile)
Following sprint race: Around the Island SUP race (1.85 miles)
Noon: Adult sailing race (distance depends on sailing conditions)
Noon: Dinghy Poker Run
5 p.m.: Post-race party and auction
Sunday
10:30 a.m.: Junior sailing race (distance depends on sailing conditions)
Noon: Adult sailing race (distance depends on sailing conditions)
Post-race awards luncheon
Where: Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive
Costs:
Sponsor a Marine for fishing expedition: $100
Pancake breakfast: $5
Adult sailing race: $100
SUP race: $40 for one, $50 for both
Dinghy Poker Run: $25 per hand
Post-race party and auction: $25 in advance, $40 at the door
Junior sailing race: $25
Registration or more information: dpyc.org,949-496-2900
This year’s races include adult and junior sailing events and two stand-up paddle races, Merriman said.
There also will be a poker run in which people can take a dinghy into the harbor and pick up poker cards at designated areas to build a full hand.
“It’s a great way to participate without actually sailing,” Merriman said.
Other events include a private twilight fishing expedition for Marines today, a public pancake breakfast Saturday, and a dinner and silent auction Saturday night. The regatta ends Sunday with an awards luncheon.
There are usually 40 to 50 adult sailors and 30 junior racers, Merriman said. The number of registered racers this year is comparable to years past, she said.
The club hopes to attract 50 stand-up paddle racers this time, she said.