SEQUIM — Organizers of Saturday’s 23rd annual Reach for Hospice Regatta hope to raise close to $20,000 for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.
The regatta at the John Wayne Marina, 2577 W. Sequim Bay Road, is the Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s biggest community fundraiser.
Over the years, the club has raised more than $256,000 for the hospice that provides all services free of charge to terminally ill patients and their families.
Races start at noon
Sail boat races will begin at noon on Sequim Bay. The public can watch for free from the marina.
A skippers’ meeting is planned at 10:30 a.m.
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, followed by a potluck at 5 p.m. — guests are invited to bring a dish if they would like — and a program that will end at about 7 p.m.
During the program, staff members of Volunteer Hospice will tell about the agency.
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.
The award was first presented in 2014 in memory of a longtime club member who died of ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Three classes of boats will compete in three races for each division.
By Tuesday, eight skippers had registered their boats for the regatta: two in the Class A division and six in the Class B division. A Class C division also is available.
Class A are the fastest rated boats. Class B craft have lower speed ratings, and Class C boats are 20 feet long or less.
Advance registrations
Advance registrations can be made at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-reachforhospice.
Registrations will be accepted 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.
“If they feel generous and would like to make a larger donation, that’s welcome,” said Durkee Richards, vice commodore of the yacht club.
Money is raised for the hospice by skippers sending out letters soliciting support.
So far this year, $11,803 has been raised, according to Richards.
Intrepid
One boat likely to be well-watched will be the Intrepid, a Class A boat owned by Bob McClinton.
McClinton, 90, a retired two-star Navy admiral, is a former commodore of the club and its top regatta fundraiser, Richards said.
“Over the years, he and his crew have gotten close to raising $80,000” for Volunteer Hospice, Richards said.
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.
