Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett continued its support for the annual Defenders’ Memorial Day Challenge Regatta held for members of the military at the Southern Yacht Club (SYC), the second oldest yacht club in the country. The event recognizes the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families for their devotion to duty and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we all may enjoy liberty.
This Memorial Day marked the 15th year of racing, beginning with an always poignant flag raising ceremony. The solemn readings of “War and Remembrance” and “I Am the Flag” were followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a moving rendition of the National Anthem performed by Jorinda Junius, and a moment of peace and blessing offered by CAPT Sunny Mitchell, Chaplain of the 8th Coast Guard District.
“We’re very proud to have sponsored the Defenders Challenge since it was first held in 2011,” said Alan Brackett, the Managing Member of MBLB. “It’s gratifying to spend Memorial Day with members of the military and their families. They really enjoy the hospitality of Southern Yacht Club and the friendly rivalry between the branches of our military. It’s great to be a part of that.”
Teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and Community Sailing New Orleans Veterans competed for the coveted Champion’s Trophy. The conditions were ideal to run four races for the 11 teams. A BBQ was held afterwards for the participants and their families, along with an awards presentation.
The Merchant Marines, skippered by Chuck Floyd-Jones, came in first place, with the Coast Guard coming in second and the Community Sailing New Orleans Veterans coming in third.
LTGEN Len Anderson and Rear Commodore Nathan Adams presented each sailor with a commemorative medal. The Merchant Marines received a beautiful etched acrylic Flying Scot model as a keeper trophy, and their team name will be engraved on the perpetual trophy.
Congratulations to the Merchant Marines team for winning the 2025 Defenders Challenge at Southern Yacht Club on Memorial Day!
