Checking In With... Louis Holmes:

The annual Invitational Regatta for the Hoag Cup is just around the dock on June 12 to 14, so this week I’m checking in with Louis Holmes, the manager of the West Marine store at 900 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, which sells boating supplies and accessories.

Tell us how West Marine will aid the Hoag Cup fundraiser for the hospital’s foundation?

On June 4, West Marine will raise money for the 2009 Invitational Regatta, a Hoag Hospital Foundation event benefiting Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute, by donating 5% of sales from two retail stores at 377 E. Coast Highway and 900 W. Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

You’re a sailboat racer, so tell us what other plans you have to get involved with the regatta. Will you be racing?

I don’t currently have plans to race this year, but I raced in the 2005 regatta aboard Taxi Dancer (we won our division), and I recently raced some of the boats competing this year, so don’t count me out just yet.

There still is a chance, and if I’m not racing as a competitor, I plan to attend as a spectator. In fact, I wouldn’t miss it. These large yachts are truly amazing to watch on the water!

What’s the state of the boating industry these days? How is the economy affecting the business and the sport?

This year has been quite challenging for the entire boating industry, and it will likely continue into next year. From our perspective, West Marine’s performance has withstood the challenges, confronting the industry and dealing with the current climate by focusing on our customers and our commitment to product development.

The next few years will be very interesting for West Marine as well as the boating industry in general; however, despite the economic downturn that is affecting so many, West Marine believes that the love of boats and boating will remain a truly significant part in the lives of millions.

So you started at West Marine in high school and you’ve been there even while you worked your way through college. Why UCLA, and why a degree in math and physics? What do you plan to do with your degree?

Yes, I became a West Marine associate in 1999 and June 17 marks my 10-year anniversary with the company. I believe it’s important to love your work and it was my love for boating that led me to West Marine, where there was a job opportunity available that has led to my career and primary focus.

Similarly, my love for math and the physical sciences influenced me to study for a teaching credential for math secondary education. Currently, I put my degree to good use by tutoring students in the South Orange County area enrolled in calculus programs at the high school level.

Tell us one of your favorite anecdotes about sailing, something that really sums up why you love it so much?

Sailing is about teamwork and people helping people. Novice or world champion — it doesn’t matter. Everyone works together. I’ve sailed with some of the best groups of people one can be around; people who will always have your back and will be friends for life.

That’s why sailing is the perfect match for the 2009 Invitational Regatta where the best of the best come out to support Hoag Hospital and benefit its patients and Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute.

Do your best to handicap the Hoag Cup. Who do you think is going to win?

Now you’re putting me on the spot — tough question. The boats racing in this regatta are known to have some of the best crews around, and they’re all really competitive.

I think Stark Raving Mad V is going to be a hot boat to watch and as far as the sleds, defending champ Grand Illusion is very well sailed, but Roy Disney is also back in the game racing a previous boat. Roy’s programs have always been top-notch so he could potentially run away with the title.

It’s a toss up … you’ll have to attend the event and see.