This is an altogether different kind of race for cash.
Coming the second week in September is the 24th annual Sequim Bay Yacht Club Reach for Hospice Regatta.
The sailing race takes place on Sequim Bay, Saturday, Sept. 17, set for 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Through this event, Sequim Bay Yacht Club has raised more than $282,500 for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.
Sailors from throughout the area are invited to participate and may register online at www.regattanetwork.com/event/13266.
The public is invited to watch from John Wayne Marina as sailors maneuver their boats for position at the starting line and compete for the lead. Multiple starts for Class A racing, Class B cruising, and Class C for boats 20 feet and under are programmed.
Volunteer Hospice provides care aimed at symptom management, education and support for those individuals and families facing the physical and emotional challenges of a terminal illness.
Through VHOCC, nurses and volunteers provide care and equipment at no cost to those receiving services. Anyone can help support this effort by sending a tax deductible donation to: VHOCC at 540 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles, WA 98362. (Mark checks with Reach for Hospice and, if desired, the name of a boat you are supporting.)
SBYC’s top fundraiser for many years has been Bob McClinton with his boat Intrepid. At the age of 91, he races his boat regularly throughout the year and is a top competitor in racing as well as fundraising.
His teams (Weigh To Go for nine years, and Intrepid for the past five) have raised just short of $90,000 and aims to top the $100,000 mark this year.
“I first got involved with sailing in 1944 when I entered the Naval Academy,” McClinton recalled.
“Sailing is a joy, a freedom — and it’s also competitive. I returned to sailing when Gunvor and I moved to Sequim in 1990. My crew and I won the Reach for Hospice twice in Weigh to Go and twice in Intrepid. We’ll do our best once again this year!”
Sequim Bay Yacht Club will celebrate with a potluck dinner following the race at John Wayne Marina.
The Fred Tidyman Trophy will be awarded to the fastest boat and crew in each division, and the Mickey McGuffin Sportsmanship Award will be presented to a club member who has contributed most to the sport and spirit of sailing.
