The Caregivers Sailathon is Celebrating its 25th Year
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Starts at 8AM
Registration and Sponsor Opportunities
A Word From the events creator-Andy Killion
Tina and I never thought that combining our love of boats with such a terrific cause would be such a popular event a quarter century later. Of course THE SAILATHON wouldn’t be such an anticipated event each fall without the support of our boating community, event sponsors, the Caregivers staff and it’s board of directors. The needs of our community’s frail and elderly are as constant as the winds and swell which reach our shore everyday.
We are very proud of the events success and invite you to join us in celebrating The Sailathon’s 25th year by contacting Caregivers to support the event or by volunteering.
Sailing with a Purpose: The SAILATHON Celebrates 25 Years of Navigating Care for Ventura County Seniors
For a quarter of a century, a unique spectacle has unfolded off the shores of Ventura County. Sleek racing yachts, standard watercraft, and youth-led dinghies take to the water, all united by a singular, dual-purpose mission: catching the elusive “Ugly Fish” and raising vital funds for CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. This year marks the monumental 25th anniversary of the SAILATHON, a signature fundraising event that has grown from a creative local concept into one of the most anticipated and distinctive sailing traditions on the Southern California coast.
The Birth of a Unique Tradition
The SAILATHON was originally the brainchild of CAREGIVERS Honorary Director Andy Killion and his wife, Tina Killion. Looking for an innovative way to engage the community and support the organization’s mission, they turned to the vibrant local maritime community.
The event’s enduring success is deeply rooted in the steadfast support of key community champions. Thanks to the early and continuous dedication of Randy Alcorn from the Anacapa Yacht Club and Richard and Susan Countess from the Pierpont Bay Yacht Club, the SAILATHON anchored itself firmly in the local boating culture. Over the past 25 years, its reputation has expanded dramatically, regularly attracting participants from as far north as Santa Barbara and as far south as San Diego.
Chasing The Ugly Fish and Sailing Laurels
At the heart of the SAILATHON’s lore is “The Ugly Fish.” Over the decades, this mascot has grown in reputation as both a mythical, elusive target in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and, for competing yacht clubs, the ultimate prize and bragging rights to take home.
Traditionally held toward the end of October, the third Sunday of the month has become recognized as the optimal opportunity for sightings of The Ugly Fish. For regional boaters, the event serves as the perfect, festive way to wrap up the official sailing season.
To accommodate growing interest and diverse fleets, the event committee has expanded the racing parameters. While the event still features its traditional triangle course off the Ventura Pier in Pierpont Bay, it now includes an inside course launching from the Ventura Yacht Club. Organizers emphasize that the SAILATHON is truly inclusive: all watercraft are welcome, and youth sailors are highly encouraged to participate.
Jane Thomas in Memoriam
Jane was an avid supporter of the Sailathon and the crew of her Wai Lani sailboat and the Channel Islands Womens Sailing Association continue to support the event. Caregivers has created a new trophy in her honor which will be presented for the first time at this years reception.
Friendly Rivalries and Community Feasts
In recent years, CAREGIVERS has enjoyed surging support across regional clubs and marinas, sparked in part by friendly, high-stakes philanthropy. Captains fiercely jockey for the coveted “Ca$h Me If You Can” Award, a perpetual trophy presented to the vessel and crew that raises the most money for the cause. The names of dedicated community leaders like David Chase, Bill Gibbs, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, and Bob Shirley appear multiple times on this award, cementing their legacy as champions for local seniors.
After a grueling day on the water, the competition shifts to camaraderie at the post-race reception. Volunteers host a legendary chili and chowder cook-off, providing a warm, hearty feast to feed the hungry skippers and their crews.
Supporting Seniors in Aging in Place
While the atmosphere is filled with maritime fun, the cause behind the SAILATHON remains deeply impactful. CAREGIVERS provides critical, non-medical, and non-professional volunteer support to assist older adults, helping them maintain their independence and dignity while aging in place.
The funds raised through 25 years of the SAILATHON directly impact the community. Currently, the organization serves more than 500 homebound seniors throughout Ventura County, connecting them with dedicated volunteers who provide companionship, transportation, and grocery assistance.
Get Involved
Whether you are an experienced captain, a youth sailor, a corporate sponsor, or a community member who loves chili and chowder, there is a place for you at the 25th annual SAILATHON.
To sponsor the event, register your watercraft, or learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit vccaregivers.org/events or call (805) 658-8530. Join the fleet this October, look out for The Ugly Fish, and help navigate a brighter future for Ventura County’s elderly residents.
CALL NOW 805-658-8530
Advisory Disclosure: Andy Killion serves as an Honorary Director of CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Any support, donations, or volunteer participation associated with the Sailathon are entirely voluntary. Choosing to support or pass on this charitable event will have no bearing, impact, or influence on your client relationship, advisory fees, or the investment services provided by our firm. No client data has been shared with or sold to CAREGIVERS, and all financial contributions must be made directly to the charity.
Call 805-620-0150 | Email andy@bicc1968.com