2016 SCYA Fleet Captain
September 27, 1952 – April 29, 2020
Dan Hodge, affectionately referred to as “Hodgie” by many, was a Commodore extraordinaire and passionate about sailing and racing.
Serving as Commodore of Dana Point Yacht Club in 2012 during tough economic times, his vision and leadership spurred large membership increases, built camaraderie around world class entertainment events, and created a new gathering place, Bert’s Bar, for DPYC members to enjoy.
Giving back to the Dana Point Community was important to Dan. He served on the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Advisory Brigade from 2015 to 2018 and served as Chair of the Brigade from March 2016 to March 2017.
Putting his passion for sailing to good use, Dan served as Fleet Captain of the Southern California Yachting Association in 2016. His presentations, while always comprehensive, included a touch of his wonderful dry sense of humor.
Always promoting youth sailing and racing, Dan served as Commodore of the International Naples Sabot Association in 2017. Dan is fondly remembered measuring sabots to qualify them for competition on the DPYC docks.
Dan loved the Newport to Ensenada race and competed in it many times making him the perfect candidate to become Commodore of the Newport Ocean Sailing Association. From NOSA’s website: “As Commodore of NOSA in 2018 and 2019, there was nothing he wanted more than to see annual participation increase so that the sailors of today could share in what he often described as some of the most thrilling and exciting times he ever had on the water – the start of the famed Newport To Ensenada International Yacht Race with upwards of 500 hundred boats at the same time.”
Giving back to the boating community was also important to Dan which is why he served on the board of Recreational Boaters of California from 2014 to 2020. While his service as President was only a short time, he shared great vision.
On Cinco de Mayo at 19:00 hours, let us raise our collective glasses in a toast to our dear friend and salty sailor whose time at more than one helm highlighted his passions and vision. His impact will be felt for generations.
Cheers to Hodgie, Commodore Extraordinaire!
By Rear Commodore Anne Eubanks