About Our Grand Marshals

Our Grand Marshals this year are two King Harbor Yacht Club members who went above and beyond the call of duty to rescue others.

Deborah Hansen is an American Airline flight attendant who was enjoying a summer day in Catalina with her granddaughter when suddenly she heard a sputtering and saw a helicopter crash in a field not far from where she was standing. Deborah’s years of disaster training kicked into high gear and without hesitation she began running toward the wreckage. She was able to pull out 3 crash victims before the helicopter was completely engulfed in flames.

Dr. Bill Webster and his crew were enjoying a weekend of sailing in the 36th Annual Santa Barbara to King Harbor Race when about dusk they heard a mayday call on the radio. Realizing they were in the vicinity of the distressed vessel, Bill quickly dropped out of the race and scoured the area until they found the woman who had fallen overboard. She had been in the chilly waters nearly 30 minutes before they were able to find her and bring her on board.

Along with Deborah and Bill, King Harbor Yacht Club salutes all the Police and Fire Medal of Valor recipients who put themselves in harms way for the safety of others.