We are reaching out to you, as family and friends of our beloved John Vittori, to help us raise a scholarship fund in his memory, to assist in funding the opportunity for young sailors to participate in summer sailing programs in Boston and New Bedford.

John had many passions in his life - his family, his home, his work, his friends - and, amidst it all - there was sailing. Sailing occupied a very special place in John's heart and his life, from his earliest days as a 10 year old newbie in a Community Boating dinghy in the Charles Basin, to many sailing adventures in the waters of the Atlantic, to his last sails with his family and friends, on the Lady V out of Clark's Cove, New Bedford.

Reflecting now, several years after John's passing, we think that setting up this memorial fund will honor his life by providing to other young sailors the same opportunity that got John started in the Community Boating summer youth program in Boston.

We have identified opportunities to donate for this purpose at both Community Boating in Boston and Community Boating in New Bedford . Being able to contribute in both locations will honor John's sailing beginning as well as where he spent many happy hours in the last years of his life. We are reaching out to you - family and friends - to join with us in supporting this lasting tribute to our beloved John.

Based on the funds raised we intend to work with both centers to help fund their summer junior sailing programs. Our goal is to fund at least five tuitions at both locations, at least one per year for five years. If more are possible that will be wonderful! We will equally divide the funds received between the two centers. The Centers themselves will administer the funds, which will be transferred directly to them, and will select the recipients each year.

In order to have the funds in place for the 2026 season, we would like to complete the fundraising and donations by the end of November, so that we can transfer the funds and they are ready to be used next year.

Through this fund, we know that John's sailing spirit will carry on - Keep On Sailing!