Help Make a Difference

The Dutch Shoe Marathon is an iconic San Diego event in 8-foot Naples Sabots – boxy prams with leeboards. They’re used for junior sailing, but also popular with adults. The point-to-point course travels over 7 miles through sections of San Diego Bay rarely sailed in Sabots.

Young sailor Jack Egan nearly won the coveted junior title, and was likely hoping this year to improve on his second place finish. But life sometimes gets in the way of our plans.

In March 2014, Jack Egan was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a Non-Hodgkin’s form of lymphoma. Jack is off the water this summer, undergoing treatment for the rest of the year – treatment made possible in part by the past efforts of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

To support Jack, the 2014 Dutch Shoe Marathon will be a Leukemia Cup Regatta to support LLS.

“Jack is one of our favorite junior crewmates on our J/29 and a very impressive Sabot and O’pen Bic sailor,” shared Casey Schnoor. “While the light at the end of the tunnel for him is a favorable prognosis, the tunnel is very long. It would be really cool for the sailing community to help support him in the Dutch Shoe Marathon!”

Jack’s race this year will be to recover. “I have a great group of friends and family rooting me on in my treatment, but donation to LLS can help fund better future treatments for me and others with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”

There were 166 racers in 2013, with greater numbers hoped for this year. “Sailing is an expensive sport and we often spend a lot of time raising money for our boats, sails, clubs and equipment,” said Clayton Schluter, Junior Commodore at San Diego Yacht Club. “Imagine if 170 Dutch Shoe sailors each gather 20 people to sponsor their race. If we join together, we can make a difference!”

To help make a difference, click here to set up a sponsor page for the race, or donate directly to Jack’s fundraising page.

Click here to watch a video of Jack getting interviewed after the 2013 Dutch Shoe Marathon.