This Memorial Day, Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett continued its support for the annual Defenders Challenge Regatta held for members of the military at the Southern Yacht Club (SYC), the second oldest yacht club in the country. The event recognizes the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families for their devotion to duty and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we all may enjoy liberty.
This Memorial Day marked the 16th year of racing, beginning with an always poignant flag raising ceremony. The solemn readings of “War and Remembrance” and “I Am the Flag” were followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a moving rendition of the National Anthem performed by Jorinda Junius, and a moment of peace and blessing by LCDR Adam Bayer, Coast Guard Heartland District Chaplain who offered the invocation.
Managing Member Alan Bracket said, “MBLB has contributed to this regatta since its inception, recognizing Cherrie’s vision of both remembering our nation’s fallen heroes and providing a fun and welcoming event for military families on this day of reflection and honor.”
This year, there were two fleets: seven teams (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, CSNO Veterans, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines and Navy) sailed Storm 18s in the STARs fleet and four teams (Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines and Navy) sailed Flying Scots in the STRIPES fleet.
Following a weather delay for rain and excessive breeze, the Race Committee got off four races. The Merchant Marines successfully defended their title, with Skipper Chuck Floyd-Jones winning the STRIPES fleet and Skipper David Muller winning the STARS fleet. In the STRIPES fleet, the Marine Corps took second place and the Coast Guard took third place. In the STARS fleet, there was a tie for second place with the Coast Guard winning the tie breaker and the Marine Corps coming in third.
LTGEN Len Anderson and Commodore Rocky Sanchez presented the medal and trophies. Both STARS and STRIPES first place winners received etched acrylic boat models and the names of the winners of both fleets will be engraved on the perpetual trophy.
Congratulations to the Merchant Marines team for winning the 2026 Defenders Challenge at Southern Yacht Club on Memorial Day!
The post MBLB Continues Support for SYC’s Defenders Challenge Regatta appeared first on MBLB.