Steve Martin, who served as chairman of the Vero Beach Marine Advisory Commission for 38 years, and who was admired and respected well beyond the local nautical community, died suddenly in September 2013. Today, the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County honored Martin by hosting a regatta in his name.
Aspiring youth sailors from as far away as Palm Beach County unfurled their sails on the Indian River Lagoon this afternoon in the First Annual Steve Martin Memorial Regatta. Youth from five sailing clubs competed in small, single-handed style dinghies called Optimists. Designed in 1947 by American Daniel Hughes, the Optimist one of the most popular sailing dinghies in the world, with more than 150,000 officially registered.
The winners of the Red White & Blue Fleet in the Steve Martin Memorial Regatta were:
1st Place: Trevor Bornarth Sail #17853 (US Sailing Center Martin County)
2nd Place: Emily Bornarth Sail #17852 (US Sailing Center Martin County)
3rd Place: Nicholas Ochalek Sail #17772 (US Sailing Center Martin County)
The following Green Fleet (beginners) were awarded participation medals:
Joseph Mackenzie-Smith (Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation)
Daeleen Martinez (Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County)
Ethan Homberger (Palm Beach Sailing Club)
Chloe Hudgins (US Sailing Center Martin County)
Nicholas Stange (Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation)
A commemorative plaque was awarded Eileen Martin, widow of Steve Martin, namesake of the regatta.
The Youth Sailing Foundation operates a sailing program for children ages 8 and older. To learn more visit ysfirc.org.
Indian River Guardian 
A fitting tribute to one of the most honorable men in the history of Vero Beach.