THE CROWD:

It was arguably one of the most beautiful days to launch the Newport to Ensenada Yacht race. Hundreds of spectators lined the Corona del Mar cliffs to experience the spectacle on the Pacific Ocean heading south to Mexico. The race was founded in 1947, originally called The Governor’s Cup and sponsored by the venerable Newport Harbor Yacht Club, to reunite sailors coming out of service in WWII. In that first year, 117 boats entered the race, paying $22.50 each to compete. Only 65 boats finished the race.

Still under the auspices of Newport Ocean Sailing Assn., the 62nd annual yacht race was preceded the evening before by parties all over the Newport Harbor.

One took place at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, featuring an enormous group of jubilant sailors intent on kicking off the yacht race in nautical high gear.

Enjoying the camaraderie and spinning tales of glory were yacht club members Cindy and Chuck McFarland from Costa Mesa, Richard and Jane Taylor, Chuck and Lynn Wert, Gary Tolar and dapper “man about town” Bill Long.

Also in the nautical crowd were Janet and Bob Kircher, Judy Cole, Victoria Trovato, Brian Maloney and Michelle Muir.

Yacht club members have been front and center for a number of years in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and will once again host the Leukemia Cup Regatta as part of a national event that includes more than 17,600 sailors raising funds at yacht clubs countywide to help fund research to find a cure for blood cancer disease.

The actual regatta takes place May 30 but includes events that begin next Friday with an electric boat poker run hosted by the yacht club and a second poker run May 16 hosted by the Lido Isle Yacht Club in addition to a classic sail boat regatta that same day.

These events are capped with a party that organizers call The Mobsters Ball that is themed around a casino night at the yacht club.

The serious fun continues during the month of June as the Dana West Yacht Club in Dana Point joins the cause and sponsors a regatta race June 5 from Newport Beach to Dana Point. Additional events are planned for June 6 and 7, including a bone marrow drive.

A special note on this year’s fundraising effort. A young woman named Lindsey Krueger has been named the 2009 honorary skipper of the Leukemia Cup Regatta. Last October, Lindsey was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Following treatment Lindsey is back in school and managing her cancer as best as she can as treatment continues.

The Krueger family’s only wish is that, “The day will come when we will hear the words that Lindsey is in full remission.”

Major yacht club organizers of the Leukemia Cup events include the dedicated Nancy and Barry Levy of Lido Isle and Tustin.

For more information on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Orange County, call (714) 881-0610.

For sponsorship opportunities, call Tammy Sung at (714) 881-0610 ext. 334.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.