Reach for Hospice sailboat races are Saturday

By Sequim Gazette Staff • September 20, 2023 1:30 am
Photo by Fran Reisner Thompson From left, sailboats Imua (skipper Alan Clark), Denali (skipper Bob MacCauley), Gizmo (skipper John Thompson), race committee boat (skipper Jerry Fine), Sirius (skipper Durkee Richards) and Pinafore (skipper Bernie Armstrong) compete in the Reach and Row for Hospice on Sequim Bay in 2022.
Photo by Fran Reisner Thompson From left, sailboats Imua (skipper Alan Clark), Denali (skipper Bob MacCauley), Gizmo (skipper John Thompson), race committee boat (skipper Jerry Fine), Sirius (skipper Durkee Richards) and Pinafore (skipper Bernie Armstrong) compete in the Reach and Row for Hospice on Sequim Bay in 2022.

Editor’s note: An article in the Sept. 13 edition of the Sequim Gazette listed an incorrect date for the Reach and Row for Hospice sailboat races. — MD

The second weekend of the annual Reach and Row for Hospice, featuring sailboat races, is set for noon Saturday, Sept. 23, concluding by about 4 p.m.

As in past years, the Reach and Row raises funds for respite care for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) — a nonprofit, provides compassionate care to the terminally ill, their caregivers and their families. The organization also runs a lending closet, supplying medical equipment to its patients and the community at large.

It offers community education and grief and bereavement programs to anyone who has lost a loved one.

The 2022 races raised $28,240.74 for VHOCC, and helped the nonprofit provide an estimated 1,828 hours of relief, grief and spiritual care.

Since 1991 the fundraiser has supported VHOCC to the tune of $486,905.

The community is welcome to come to view the races at several viewing points at John Wayne Marina, 2577 W. Sequim Bay Road, on race days.

Those wishing to make a contribution by mail can send their tax-deductible donations to: VHOCC 829 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles WA 98362; write “Reach and Row for Hospice” in the subject line.

Initially established in 1991 as a sailboat race, Reach and Row in 2018 was expanded to include a 10-kilometer, open water competition in Sequim Bay for anyone with an oar or paddle, including rowers, kayakers, canoers and paddleboarders.

For more about the event, contact Hawkins at lynnhawkins888@gmail.com. Or, visit sequimbayyacht.club and click on “Hospice Fundraiser” tab.

For more about Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, visit vhocc.org.