Clipper Race - Californian crew member continues fundraising journey

by Ruth Harrington on 20 Apr 2014 In the 2013 - 14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race californian crew member, Elaina Breen, 69 from Point Richmond, has started her second leg, raising money for a charity which helps the families of those killed in war.

Elaina’s father John Breen was an avid sailor and Naval aviator who died on active duty in the Second World War when she was a small child.

Elaina has raised $4311 so far for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) through her race participation.

Henri Lloyd crew member Elaina completed Leg 2, Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town, and is now doing Leg 7, San Francisco to New York via Panama and Jamaica.

'As we rally at the starting line in front of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, we may be part of the biggest round the world fleet of racing yachts, an extraordinarily competent and hard-working crew, but I for one will trust the unbeatable power of the Clipper Race ship cookies I cooked that morning to get us to New York in first place,' she said.

'I won’t say goodbye as we set out under the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ll say with a wry grin on my face, ‘I’m joining forces with Henri Lloyd’s hard working band of misfits and dreamers for a raucous adventure through the Panama Canal, Jamaica, New York and all points in between. And I know a brilliant star will guide me home.’

'I am with gratitude to everyone who had the courage to share this journey with me. Your spirits will all be stowaways on the good ship Henri Lloyd!'

Elaina held a TAPS family day at the Clipper Race dome in San Francisco last Sunday to raise awareness for the charity which helps families after the loss of a loved one during military service.

Ahead of getting on board, Elaina has traded:
• Silver shoes for sailing boots
• Satin gloves for Mustos
• A glittery hair embellishment for a multi-colored bandanna, and
• Shiny bangles for the most expensive piece of jewellery I'll ever own - my Clipper race crew bracelet!