Human Interest
John Dane Honored in Miami
By Lynn Fitzpatrick, World Regattas.com
Apr 7, 2008, 10:27

John Dane III Adds Another Boat to His Fleet

John and Leslie Dane. Photo by Lynn Fitzpatrick.

John Dane III was honored by Shake-a-Leg Miami - Miami’s all inclusive sailing facility and the winter training hub for many of the world’s paralympians, as a dream launcher. This Saturday night, over 450 supporters enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under the stars, an elaborate dinner in the historic Coast Guard hangar, live and silent auctions. Dane, whose boatyards are busy building 124-foot to 240-foot mega yachts, added to his flotilla, that includes the custom RIB, Medal Chaser, by outbidding all others for a two-person kayak.

Shortly after his 58th birthday, Dane will head to China to vie for an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2008 Games in Qingdao, China. Dane has been trying to achieve his dream of going to the Olympics for over 40 years. His dream came true last year when he won the closely contested US Olympic Trials in the Men’s Keelboat. Dane was joined by fellow Star sailors, family and colleagues from the yachting world in celebrating Shake-a-Leg Miami’s accomplishments. The organization is unequaled in making Biscayne Bay accessible to young and old, able bodied and disabled and financially challenged individuals.

Dane, the CEO and President of one of the world’s largest luxury yacht makers, Trinity Yachts, applauded Harry Horgan, President of Shake-a-Leg Miami, his colleagues and cadre of volunteers for the work that they have done. Dane, who is very involved with Broward County’s Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs and their waterfront programs, encouraged everyone to support these community-based waterfront programs.

Magnus Liljedahl and John Dane. Photo by Lynn Fitzpatrick.

Magnus Liljedahl introduced Dane to Shake-a-Leg Miami. Liljedahl has one thing that John Dane III has on his list of most sought after items – an Olympic Gold Medal in the Men’s Keelboat. Liljedahl’s program, Team Paradise, assists aspiring Paralympians with coaching and support from Olympians and elite sailors.

Liljedahl is retired from racing Stars, but he will be out on Biscayne Bay watching the 2008 Star World Championships and keeping a close eye on the US’s 2008 Olympic representatives and more than 200 sailors from 30 countries who will be vying for the championship title and the final Olympic berths. For up to date regatta coverage, please visit www.StarClass.org and www.StarWorlds2008.com. Starting Wednesday, look for additional in depth coverage of the 2008 Star World Championships at www.WorldRegattas.com.


© Copyright 2007 by starclass.org