ENCINITAS — Mark Drewelow, a pioneering humanitarian and beloved figure in the bodysurfing community, died March 1. He was 60.
Drewelow, who lived in Encinitas, was widely known for his lifelong connection to the ocean and his efforts to use that connection to help others. In 2006, he founded YachtAid Global, a nonprofit coordinating superyacht owners and crews to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief to underserved coastal communities.
According to Surfer Magazine, one of Drewelow’s final projects, Operation Soni, involved evacuating women and children from Ukraine while delivering food, medical supplies and other necessities. The publication described Drewelow as “a lover of the water in the purest sense” who dedicated his life to service and adventure.
Drewelow was born March 24, 1964, in Kingsville, Texas, to David, a U.S. Marine fighter pilot, and Alice, a teacher, according to an obituary published on the Dignity Memorial website. He grew up on military bases nationwide and became a lifeguard at age 15.
He played water polo and swam at Dana Hills High School in Dana Point before joining the NCAA championship water polo team at UC Irvine in 1982. He later transferred to Saddleback College.
In 1984, Drewelow took a bike trip around the Mediterranean with a friend. After the trip, he remained in Europe, searching for surf and taking work aboard yachts. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become a captain.
After two decades working at sea, Drewelow married Cristina, whom he met in Australia. They settled in Encinitas, where they raised two daughters, Julia and Lucy. In 2003, the couple launched C2C, a yacht support company.
Drewelow’s goal was to build a global network of agents operating with a high standard of ethics. “Together we are stronger,” he said, according to Dignity Memorial.
YachtAid Global began in Drewelow’s garage, initially funded by him and his family, who purchased and packed supplies to be delivered by yacht. According to Dignity Memorial, the organization grew into a recognized force in the yachting and disaster relief sectors.
Beyond his work in global aid, Drewelow was deeply committed to the sport of bodysurfing. He was often seen wearing a yellow swim cap at Seaside Beach in Cardiff.
“Bodysurfing was his meditation, his relaxation,” his family wrote in his obituary.
In 2016, Drewelow competed in his first bodysurfing contest in Brazil, where he placed fourth. He continued competing and later became the first bodysurf coach for Team USA.
Surfer Magazine noted Drewelow’s role as a supporter of USA Bodysurfing and his presence in surf media. He also collaborated with Waves For Water, a nonprofit that delivers clean water solutions to areas in need.
A rosary and funeral mass were held March 13 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Encinitas. A paddle-out memorial is scheduled for March 29 at Seaside Beach in Cardiff, with a celebration of life to follow at The Grauer School.
Drewelow is survived by his wife, Cristina; daughters, Julia and Lucy; parents, David and Alice; sister, Kelly; brothers, Richard and David; and nieces, Sophia and Vivian.
