RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- A crew of credit union professionals and industry vendors will compete against 500 boats in the annual 125-mile Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race April 25.

The team will cover all racing expenses so 100% of pledges will support the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation's financial literacy programs. This is the third year the group has raised money for the cause; last year's effort raised $8,000.

Honda Federal Credit Union CEO and RMJ Foundation Board Member Jim Updike will serve as skipper for the seventh year running. His team will include Don Gensler and Kevin Kindschi, CUNA Mutual Group; Jim Crowley, SWBC; Chris Gunnare, Matt Flynn and Brian Scott, the Members Group; Tim Sidley, WesCorp; Todd Lane, Exec-utive Compensation Solutions; and John Willard, Wescom Credit Union.

"It's not quite the America's Cup, but most of the boats for the Ensenada race are rigged for racing," Updike said, "and some big names in sailboat racing like Dennis Connors participate every year."

The group charters a 46-foot sailboat that sports racing sails but is comfortable enough to "take it over to Catalina and spend the weekend," he said.

Updike said this particular team has been racing together for six years. Updike and Sidley each bringing 30 years of sailing experience to the group.

"It's just a fun thing for us guys to get together and do," Updike said. "But it's also a great way to raise money for RMJ Foundation."

The finish line is in Ensenada, Mexico.

--heathercutimes@gmail.com

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Only in California: All CU Yacht Crew Will Race for RMJ Foundation

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