Remembering Dan Wellehan
Long time PYC & Monhegan sailor Dan Wellehan passed away in January of this year and we are inviting all past crew members of Shamrock to come join us at the Monhegan Island Race Kickoff Party to celebrate his sailing legacy. A ong time particpant in Monhegan, Dan and the crew of Shamrock won the Douglas R. Coleman Memorial Trophy for Monhegan Class B in 1993. Dan brought so many sailors into the racing scene by including them in his crew, in the 1980’s he and Merle Hallett created the MS Regatta, a longtime must race fundraising event in Casco Bay. His daughter Jane Wellehan and her famiy continue those saiing traditions on their Beneteau 36.7, Go Dog Go, sailing in Seguin A this year.
From the Portland Press Herald obituary -
He began his long career in the shoe industry in 1959, joining the family business, Lamey-Wellehan Shoes. In 1961, he left Lamey-Wellehan and joined Sebago-Moc (later Sebago, Inc.) in Westbrook, Maine. Sebago was founded in 1946 by his father, Daniel J. Wellehan Sr., Joseph Cordeau, William Beaudoin, and Roland McDonald. Dan was a keen student of the industry, always watching what people were wearing. He served as a director of the New England Shoe and Leather Association and on the board of Footwear Industries of America. He kept Sebago focused on producing top quality footwear throughout his tenure. He was an incredibly ethical employer and business partner. As the shoe industry evolved, Dan was an innovator who understood the importance of building a global brand. In 1972, Dan helped create Docksides™, known around the world for their many different colors and their excellent grip on the deck of any boat. His love of travel inspired him to seek out and establish a retail presence around the world, creating partnerships with international distributors, many of whom remain dear friends. Sebago™ and Docksides™ were sold in over 57 countries and are still sold in high end shops in Europe. The brand was synonymous with Maine and high-quality footwear. In 2003, the company was sold; it was the last major handsewn shoe factory in Maine. Dan was President and CEO when he retired.
Sailing was one of Dan’s great passions. He fell in love with the sport on his first sail when he was 10. His first boat was a Lightning that he sailed as a teenager on Saco Bay. As an adult, he joined the Portland Yacht Club and raced on Casco Bay and up and down the coast of Maine for decades on Shamrock. Known as “Captain Dan” to many, he was an excellent sailor, but best known in the fleet as a real gentleman, eager to congratulate a competitor on a great race or recount a sea story. He was a member of the New York Yacht Club, the Norwegian Ocean and Cruising Club, and served as a President of the Gulf of Maine Racing Association. He raced in the Caribbean at the “Copa de Velasco” in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1993, he sailed with Gary Jobson around Cape Horn. One of Dan’s proudest sailing accomplishments was starting the MS Regatta with Merle Hallet in 1982, which has since raised over $3 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
We hope to see many folks who sailed with Danny at the party. Reach out to the RC with any questions and to et them know you will be attending.
