WEEKEND: Reach for Hospice Regatta to open Saturday in Sequim Bay

Published 12:01 am Friday, September 11, 2015

SEQUIM — Members of the public can watch sailboat races and partake in a potluck at the Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s 23rd annual Reach for Hospice Regatta on Saturday.

The first race in the regatta — the yacht club’s last event of the season — will begin at noon at the John Wayne Marina, 2577 W. Sequim Bay Road.

The public can watch for free from the marina.

Three classes of boats will compete in three races for each division.

Class A are the fastest rated boats. Class B craft have lower speed ratings, and Class C boats are 20 feet long or less.

At 3:30 p.m., the earliest that races are expected to be completed, the public is invited to a social hour in the club room.

A potluck is planned at 5 p.m. All are invited to bring a dish if they would like or just come to enjoy it.

A program after the potluck will end at about 7 p.m.

The day is in a good cause: to raise money for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, which provides services free of charge to terminally ill patients and their families.

Over the years, the yacht club has raised more than $256,000 for Volunteer Hospice through donations from boat crews and the public, said Durkee Richards, vice commodore of the yacht club.

Top fundraiser

The club’s top fundraiser has been Bob McClinton, a retired two-star Navy admiral and a former commodore of the club, Richards said, adding that he and his crew have come close to raising $80,000 for Volunteer Hospice during the life of the event.

At 90, McClinton plans to be in the Class A races with his crew aboard the Intrepid.

Advance boat registrations can be made at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-reachforhospice.

Skippers can register their boats through Saturday morning in the marina club room beginning at 10 a.m. The club asks for a minimum donation of $50 at the time of registration.

A skippers’ meeting is planned at 10:30 a.m.

During the evening program, staff members of Volunteer Hospice will speak and two awards will be given.

The Fred Tidyman Trophy will be awarded to the fastest boat and crew in each division.

The Mickey McGuffin Sportsmanship Award will be presented by last year’s recipient, Torben Blichfeld, to a club member who has contributed most to the sport and spirit of sailing.

Volunteer Hospice’s free care is provided by eight registered nurses and about 150 volunteers.

To make a tax-deductible donation, mail a check to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Those donating through Reach for Hospice can designate the money in a boat’s name.