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The Yankee Lady IV is hosting a Catholic Yacht Party along Toronto’s waterfront July 4.
June 24, 2026
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Stefano Martelli is hoping his Catholic Yacht Party will encourage faithful youth to sail deeper into faith.
The yacht party, slated for the evening of July 4, has attracted around 200 official registrations. Young Catholics from around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will gather at Marina Quay West in downtown Toronto to board the Yankee Lady IV, a luxury modern cruise boat, for an evening of fellowship and faith along the picturesque waterfront.
Martelli, a 30-year-old junior accountant from Vaughan, Ont., said the idea for the yacht party originated from interfaith encounters with friends.
“Over the past few summers, I attended several yacht parties organized by the Macedonian community with some of my close friends. Although I am Mexican and Italian, many of my friends are Macedonian Orthodox. These events were always enjoyable and well attended. At one point, I began to wonder if a similar concept could be adapted for the growing and vibrant Catholic community in the GTA. Young Catholics deserve opportunities to gather, celebrate and build community in ways that are both enjoyable and rooted in their faith,” he said.
Martelli has experience organizing Catholic events through his parish’s EDGE program, but the yacht party is his first time spearheading an event of this scale on his own. He hopes the event will be an occasion to inspire wholesome friendships.
“My hope is that this event brings together young Catholics from across the GTA and provides an opportunity for them to meet others who share the same faith and values. Meaningful Catholic friendships are important, and I hope this event helps foster connections that continue long after the evening ends,” said the Ryerson University alumnus.
Once boarded and set sail from the dock, the evening will commence with an opening prayer, a local jazz band, hors d'oeuvre, a cash bar and dancing to GTA-based Maronite Catholic DJ Sillysilly.
Funds raised at the event will be donated to further the mission of the Sisters of Life in Toronto.
“As Catholics, I believe it is important not only to understand and appreciate the sanctity of human life, but also to actively support those who work to protect and uphold it,” said Martelli. “It seemed fitting that the fruits of such a joyful evening could also help support the Sisters of Life in carrying out their important mission.”
Sanam Syed, who was received into the faith at Easter, is looking forward to the event as a way to meaningfully become involved with the Catholic community in the GTA.
“It’s pretty unique to come across an event that combines faith, community and a fun summer experience by the water. I also appreciate that a portion of the proceeds will support the Sisters of Life, which adds a meaningful charitable aspect to the event,” said the 23-year-old University of Toronto alumna.
Martelli hopes this Catholic Yacht Party will build an alternate faith-inspired nightlife scene, offering young Catholics an opportunity to enjoy themselves but with a twist.
“Young Catholics want opportunities to enjoy a Friday or Saturday night in a wholesome environment, free from many of the pressures and temptations that can often accompany nightlife. Events like this provide a space where people can have fun, build friendships and meet others who share similar goals in both faith and life,” he said.
A version of this story appeared in the June 28, 2026, issue of The Catholic Registerwith the headline "Sailing on faith".
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OSV News photo/courtesy Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow
