A native of San Diego, Calif., Jabbo grew up in Asheville, N.C., and Dunedin, Fla. He learned to sail when he was 11 and lived across the street from Clark Mills Boats Works where the Opti, then known as the Clearwater Pram, was designed and developed.

Jabbo was graduated from Clearwater (Fla.) High School and the University of Florida where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity and Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honorary fraternity. He also belonged to the Gator Guard, the Army ROTC drill team.

He is retired from the Navy and served mostly in the navigation department aboard submarines. Jabbo is certified as a Level 1 (small boat) instructor and instructor trainer as well as a club race officer with US Sailing. He is also a licensed Coast Guard captain.

In addition, Jabbo is a member of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. He has a daughter, Jeannie, and three grandchildren -- all of whom live in the Los Angeles area.