Infinity and Beyond

As the 965-ft., 2,170-capacity Celebrity cruise ship Infinity loomed large over the harbor, a tidal wave of generosity swept over the 146-year-old Santa Barbara Yacht Club for the 14th annual Yachts of Love regatta, which was expected to raise more than $130,000 for the 110-year-old Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care from the more than 400 guests.

The nautical jolly, which since its inception has raised more than $1.3 million, was chaired by staff commodore Francie Lufkin, who describes it as “a great community effort.”

Before the first gun started the races, harbor boats did a ceremonial “Water Dance” complete with fire hoses, to send the 30-plus racers on their way after David Gonzalez sang the national anthem with a Boy Scouts color guard.

Among those enjoying a day on the Pacific waves were Bill and Trish Davis, Roger and Sarah Chrisman, Bill and Shari Guilfoyle, Bud and Sigrid Toye, Mark and Alixe Mattingly, Brenda Blalock, Riley and Susie Bechtel, Scott and Leslie Deardorff, Ed and Ann Brady, Laura Schlessinger, John and Teresa Koontz, Robyn Parker, Bob and Gail Young, and Tony and Sabrina Papa.

VNHC cares for about 12,000 people annually, either at home or in seven-year-old 27,300-sq.-ft. Serenity House, which had 255 residents last year.