Amy R. Spurgeon
NEWPORT BEACH -- Santa Claus paid an early visit to Orange Coast
College's School of Sailing and Seamanship this year with the donation of
Black Irish, a 41-foot 1966 Hinckley luxury sloop.
Instead of a red suit and black boots, this Santa -- also known as Ed
Cox -- dons Polo shirts, khakis and loafers.
"I've had the boat for 16 years. I know the program and think it will
be a good home for the boat," Cox said while proudly patting the recently
varnished wood exterior of the boat. "It makes me comfortable knowing
it's going to be in good hands."
Cox, who, with his son Ted, owns Cox Yacht Insurance Agency in Newport
Beach, decided two weeks ago to donate the beloved family possession.
Black Irish will become the legal property of OCC's sailing program
today.
"It's exceptional to get a boat like this," said Brad Avery, program
director of the sailing school. "Ed will shed a tear or two and then move
on to the golf course. Thanks to his passion for golf, we are getting a
boat."
The sloop will join the program's fleet of about 60 boats in October
when the paperwork is finalized. OCC's sailing school is one of the
largest public seamanship programs in the nation and serves around 4,000
people annually.
Avery said because the boat is so luxurious it will most likely be
leased to the public for charter trips rather than be used for hands-on
instruction for students. Lease proceeds will go toward the program.
Though the sailing program bears OCC's name, it is not subsidized by
taxpayer funds. It exists on a self-funded basis and through private
donations, Avery said.
"Gifts such as this help us in our mission to provide the public with
access to boating education," Avery said.
