“Race for Ukraine” Fund Raising Regatta in Narragansett Bay
The 12 Meter Yacht Club Newport Station will be staging two simultaneous fundraising regattas in Narragansett Bay on June 4th called “Race for Ukraine.” Any and all sailboats are welcome which have a PHRF rating. The race organizers are also looking for large motoryachts to serve as committee boats at the start and finish lines of two courses. This is a terrific opportunity for BoatTEST members – both power and sailboat owners – to show their support for the people of Ukraine.
The organizing authority for the “Race for Ukraine” is the Herreshoff Marine Museum (HHM) which will register and score all entries under PHRF handicapping rules. Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC) and Bristol Yacht Club (BYC) will provide simultaneous race starts at each end of the Bay.
All PHRF-Rated Sail Boats Welcome
The fundraising regatta is open to all sailboats with a current PHRF rating. Newport’s 12mR fleet is expected to turn out in force for this event, and early entries are Weatherly (US-17), the 1958 America’s Cup winner, Columbia (US-16) and Nefertiti (US-19).
Spearheading the “Race for Ukraine” is the 12 Metre Yacht Club Commodore and ITMA Americas’ Fleet Vice President, Steve Eddleston, owner of Weatherly (US 17). Eddleston said,
“I’m hoping this event will clearly demonstrate that sailors everywhere stand with the people of Ukraine. The most important competition will be the fundraising drive off of the water with each boat vying for top donation bragging rights.”
All proceeds will go directly to Heart to Heart International (HHI), a global humanitarian organization whose mission is to improve healthcare access around the world and has already sent $13 million in medicines and medical supplies to Ukraine.
A Call for Megayacht Committee Boats
Regatta Chairman Eddleston said his committee needed a few good megayachts to serve as the start and finish committee boats for both racecourses. “This is a perfect opportunity for our powerboat friends to help us and to show their support for the people of Ukraine,” Eddleston said.
Owners of large motoryachts who would like to participate may contact Eddleston directly at [email protected].
International 12 Meter Support
ITMA President, Paul Buttrose said: “On behalf of the International Twelve Metre Class, which includes a worldwide membership, it is most gratifying for me to support this important cause which is in urgent need.”
ITMA Northern Europe Fleet Vice President, Patrick Howaldt said: “We whole-heartedly support the efforts of our American friends and will be following the competition online with great interest.”
A Summer of “Races for Ukraine”
Eddleston said, “It is my hope that the ‘Race for Ukraine’ fundraiser concept will be adopted by other sailing groups and yacht clubs across the country. It can give real meaning for everyone to race hard and win for Ukraine.”
ABOUT HEART TO HEART INTERNATIONAL:
Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.4 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States. HHI responds to natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. The organization is a 4-star Charity Navigator charity, a BBB Accredited charity and is on the “Philanthropy 400.” To learn more, visit hearttoheart.org
ABOUT CLINIC IN A CAN:
Founded in 2010, Wichita-based Clinic in a Can specializes in custom, pre-built modular, ready-to-use medical structures that are solar or electric-powered for use during disasters, crisis and otherwise. These long-lasting structures are climate controlled, offering a professional environment necessary for medical operations, and can be delivered anywhere for immediate use. For more information, visit clinicinacan.org
ABOUT THE 12 METRE YACHT CLUB, NEWPORT STATION (12MYC):
The 12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station is the organizing authority of the America's fleet of the International Twelve Metre Association. The mission of the yacht club is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the sport of 12 Metre racing. It encourages continued involvement in preserving, restoring and racing 12 Metre yachts in the Newport area and elsewhere in the Americas. To learn more, visit 12myc.org
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION (ITMA):
The 112-year-old International 12 Metre Class encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Johan Anker, Alfred Mylne, Charles E. Nicholson, Philip Rhodes, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s Cup (1958-1987). To learn more, visit 12mRClass.com
CONTACTS:
Event Chairman, 12MYC Commodore:
Steve Eddleston
[email protected]
+1 617-548-7164
International 12 Metre Class:
SallyAnne Santos
[email protected]
+1 917-330-1730
12 Metre Yacht Club, Newport Station:
Peggy Hersam
+1 203-807-1066