Coming Together to Honor Sailors and Organizations

Recognizing organizations that AYCF supports for the work they're doing in the community.

The AYC Sailing Center was alive with energy as more than 150 donors, volunteers, and recipients came together to celebrate the AYC Foundation’s impact in our community. The evening began with an inspiring update from AYCF President Kathy Parks, followed by a warm welcome from Commodore Chris Bell. From there, the spotlight turned to our remarkable recipients, who shared firsthand how the Foundation is changing lives every day. AYCF Board Member Jacie Swenson served as MC, guiding the event seamlessly.

A lively and engaged crowd heard from the sailors and organizations who benefit from AYCF.

One highlight was hearing from Adam Okedeyi, a student we first met through Box of Rain. Just two years ago, Adam had never set foot in a sailboat before joining our Bay420 class. Fast forward to this summer—he completed the Foiling course at AYC and set a new record of 10 minutes on the foil. With humor and humility, Adam admitted he “fell often but got back up,” crediting Box of Rain for introducing him to sailing and describing the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding. Adam also served as a junior counselor at Box of Rain while he was foiling at AYC.

Adam regaling the audience with his foiling stories.

We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Seafarers Foundation’s Summer Youth Program, a cornerstone of youth development and maritime discovery. Founder of the Seafarers Foundation Summer Youth Program,  Alice Mahan shared how the program equips young people not only with seamanship skills but also leadership, confidence, and life-saving abilities. Through field trips, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, students leave “more confident and curious,” carrying lessons that reach far beyond the dock. As Alice described, two decades of impact stand as “a celebration of hope, hard work, and the power of possibility.”

A riveting speech was given by Alice Mahan on the impact the Foundation's grant is having on Seafarers.

Adding to the evening’s inspiration was Leo Boucher, Assistant Coach for Yale University’s Co-ed & Women’s Sailing Teams and Olympic hopeful. Fresh off competition in Sweden, where he placed 65th among 160 competitors, Leo spoke candidly about his campaign to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He shared the enormous commitment required—both mentally and financially—with annual costs reaching upwards of $90,000. His story, complete with his father towing three boats across the country in support, highlighted both the challenges and determination behind pursuing an Olympic dream. The AYC Foundation is honored to support Leo on this ambitious journey.

Leo sharing his journey to the Olympics.

A young sailor asks Leo what it takes to qualify for the Olympics.

The evening wrapped up with an engaging Q&A, a raffle for the kids, and plenty of time to mingle, connect, and celebrate the progress we’ve made together.