NOSA is greatly saddened to share the loss of long-time sailing advocate and Staff Commodore Daniel Hodge after a valiant three-year fight with cancer.

“I regret only knowing Dan for the last few years,” said Commodore Bill Gibbs. “He worked hard for NOSA and N2E, having truly loved this event. He will be missed” 

As Commodore of NOSA in 2018 and 2019, there was nothing he wanted more than to see annual participation increase so that the sailors of today could share in what he often decscribed as some of the most thrilling and exciting times he ever had on the water – being at the start of the famed Newport To Ensenada International Yacht Race with upwards of 500 hundred boats at the same time. 

Under Hodge’s leadership, NOSA added the sprint course to Dana Point and border blast to San Diego as a means to attracting more racers, particularly those new to the sport and youth sailors.

“He was a great competitor. I sailed against him in the Newport Ensenada race for many years in the slow-boat PHRF class,” said Cleve Hardaker, president of the Recreational Boaters of California. Hodge joined the RBOC board in 2014 and was later elected Vice President South and later Commodore.

Hodge’s boat is named Wiwo’ole which means "no fear, courageous and brave" in the Hawaiian language. “That name characterizes Dan perfectly,” Hardaker said. 

In 2016, Hodge served as Fleet Captain for the Southern California Yachting Association. “His typical presentation was very comprehensive and humorous,” said SCYA Commodore John L. Marshall.

Hodge was also a beloved member of Dana Point Yacht Club where he was Commodore in 2012.

Memorial information to follow. Hodge is survived by a sister, his girlfriend Connie, his daughter and two cherished grandchildren.

Daniel Joseph Hodge

September 27, 1952 – April 29, 2020