No heaving-to for sailor

Local man with Lou Gehrig’s disease wins US Sailing award, plans to race in ’08 Paralympics.Nick Scandone, a Balboa Yacht Club fleet captain in charge of sailing operations, has been named US Sailing’s 2005 Rolex yachtsman of the year -- the highest honor for Americans in the sport.

A panel of sailing journalists selected Scandone, along with Yachtswoman of the Year Sally Barkow of Wisconsin, for their on-the-water achievements last year.

Scandone, who has Lou Gehrig’s Disease, will be honored at a Feb. 24 luncheon in New York.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Mary Kate Scandone, Nick’s wife. “He feels to be nominated is an honor itself. It’s a dream come true.”

Scandone’s most impressive win of 2005 came at the 2.4 Metre World Championship in Italy. He beat out seven world champions and a number of able-bodied racers in the 88-boat fleet.

Scandone, 39, also won the America’s Disabled/Open Regatta. He is now in Australia for the International Federation for Disabled Sailing World Championships.

“How do I even say it? I’m overwhelmed,” Scandone said in a news release before leaving for Australia. “I knew I had a good season, but I didn’t think it would get this kind of recognition.”

Scandone learned to sail through the junior program at Balboa Yacht Club. At UC Irvine, he was part of the team that won the Intercollegiate Sailing Assn.’s 1998 team racing championship.

Three-and-a-half years ago, Scandone was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He uses a cane and has braces on both legs.

Doctors warned Scandone that fewer than 10% of people with the disease live longer than 10 years.

“For me, walking a half-mile is like running 10 miles for the average person,” Scandone told the Daily Pilot in April. “Sailing has been a saving grace for me.”

Since learning of his condition, Scandone has been involved in US Sailing and has competed in the Paralympic Games.

At the Balboa Yacht Club, he oversees regattas and teaches classes to elderly sailors. The club bought him two 2.4-meter boats a few years back so he could compete in races.

“We thought it was that important for him to continue,” said Wendy Bell, fundraising chair for the Balboa Yacht Club Foundation. “Nick has been a longtime member of the club. He’s been a racer all his life. For him to stop would have been a shame.”

Scandone’s goal is to qualify for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

“We’re taking it one step at a time,” Mary Kate Scandone said. “He still needs to raise money for future regattas.”

The Balboa Yacht Club raised about $50,000 this year to help Scandone pay his way to upcoming trials. Other club fundraisers, such as a silent auction in May, will also give Scandone financial support.

The Balboa Yacht Club has a past yachtsman of the year award winner, Dave Ullman. Commodore Bill Seals said it’s an honor to have Scandone carrying on the tradition.

“It’s a big deal to us,” Seals said. “Given Nick’s circumstances and tenacity, it’s gratifying to see him chosen. He’s a great ambassador for the club.”

20060114it2ebyncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Nick Scandone, who has Lou Gehrig’s disease, was recently named US Sailing’s 2005 Rolex yachtsman of the year.