FOR A GOOD CAUSE:Disney attracted to regatta

For seafaring icon and former Disney executive Roy E. Disney, the exhilaration of cruising the Pacific Ocean and feeling the wind sweep across his face brings him back to the biennial First Team Real Estate Invitational Regatta for the Hoag Cup, this year as honorary chairman.

But Disney said this event, running Friday through Sunday, stands out among other competitions of its kind because of what it gives back to the community. Besides offering an engaging spectacle, all of the event proceeds benefit the Heart and Vascular Institute at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, one of its centers of excellence.

“Most of the time we’re just out there because there is a cup and we go to compete, but it’s nice to do this kind of event and have it benefit a really important charity,” said Disney, who won the race’s Class 1 division aboard Pyewacket in 2005.

“This is probably one of the most successful charity regattas in the country as far as fundraising goes,” event chairman Jim Madden added.

The inaugural regatta raised more than $260,000 for the Hoag Institute, and this year organizers are hoping to bring in $400,000.

Susan Goldberg, vice president of cardiovascular services at the hospital, said contributions may go toward new equipment or fund some of the programs that make it one of the preeminent cardiovascular centers on the West coast. Also, donations could be used for the future construction of a cardiovascular services building to be completed in 2011 or 2012.

“This is a great opportunity to cement the relationship between the hospital and the community we serve,” she said. “Without this kind of support from the community, we wouldn’t be able to provide the cutting-edge and world-class services we provide.”

The regatta is set to feature 20 of the world’s largest and fastest sailing boats, including Disney’s 52-foot Morning Light, which is the centerpiece of a feature documentary expected to be released in 2008.

“This is one of the few regattas in the country that is exclusively big boats, and when they are all out there on the starting line, it’s really exciting,” Madden said.

Unlike the Transpacific Yacht Race it precedes — a race that traverses the waters between Los Angeles and Honolulu — all five races of the First Team regatta take place right off the Newport Beach coastline.

“In sailboat racing, it is always difficult to get close to the action, but with this, you can get really close and see the crew working and what’s going on in the race,” Disney said. “People who don’t know much about racing can really get a lot out of this regatta because when you’re next to the boats, you really get a sense of the power they generate.”

Spectators are welcome to enjoy the race at no cost from the Newport Pier as well as the temporary docks installed further down the peninsula. For $250, spectator yacht excursions are available from about 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lunch and beverages will be provided on board, as well as live, expert commentary.

Additionally, the public is invited to join boat captains, crew members and event sponsors for Saturday evening’s Big Boat Bash Celebration at the Balboa Pavilion. In addition to dinner and cocktails, the event will feature live and silent auctions and video highlights of the regatta. Tickets are available for $250.

For more information on the event, go to www.firstteamregatta.com.