NEWPORT, RI (Sept. 27, 2019) – The weather looks fantastic for tomorrow’s Sail for Hope race around Jamestown Island. The first start is at 1100 outside of Newport Harbor.
Over 70 sailboats have registered for the annual fundraiser organized by Sail Newport since 9-11 to raise funds for community needs.
THREE CHARITIES BENEFIT BUT HELP FOR BAHAMAS FEATURED
Funding from the race will benefit three charities with a focus on Bahamas residents who remain in communities ravaged by Hurricane Dorian and urgently need emergency shelter materials, access to clean water, sanitation supplies, basic hygiene items and more. Many people still haven’t been able to reach friends and family members, and Red Cross volunteers are working tirelessly to help reconnect these families.
“Chuck Brown (Newport, RI) and I have sailed together every year since the first race right after 9-11, that was a very powerful, and sad, but inspiring day. It’s always been a fun race and a great way to end the sailing season in Newport,” says Phip Hallowell (Middletown, RI) who will sail with Brown on “Chuck Wagon.”
TWO OTHER CHARITIES TO BENEFIT
There are two other charitable options for donations including Warrior Sailing and the Tad Sanchez Youth Big Boat Program at Sail Newport. Warrior Sailing benefits soldiers who participate in a recreational racing program. The Youth Big Boat Program at Sail Newport is for teenagers who wouldn’t ordinarily have access or connections to sail on a keelboat or a boat bigger than the traditional youth dinghies.
BOATS VARY IN SEVEN CLASSES FOR RACE
A wide variety of boats are entered including the largest boat, a Cookson 80’ owned by Cary St. Onge of Jamestown. Other boats range in design, speed and size and several classes of PHRF are offered for non-spinnaker and spinnaker racing. Also, a class of multi-hull boats will include trimaran and catamaran entrants.
Classic vessels are also registered including the majestic 50’ schooner “Fortune” to be helmed by Newport sailors John Taft and Tom Glassie. Several 28’ Herreshoff S Class boats will also compete.
In addition, the classically-designed wooden sloop, built in 2010, W-Class 37 “Cavalino” will compete with Newport’s Donald Tofias at the helm.
MELGES IC 37 FLEETS JOINS IN VIRTUAL CLASS TO SUPPORT THE CAUSES
Organizers report that Melges IC37 boat owners have registered to participate in a “virtual regatta” for their class tomorrow. Although the one-design fleet will be racing in their National Championship, the group of sailors will support the regatta with donations. Also, scores from their day of racing in their national championship will be added and published at Sail for Hope in the spirit of generosity and support.
REGISTRATION STILL OPEN
Registration for the event is still open and boats may register even if they don’t have a PHRF rating. Sail Newport will assign a rating for the day for the casual race around Jamestown.
The Newport Shipyard will host a fundraising party after the racing ends for entrants and guests. Sailors registered for the event gain entrance for free. Extra tickets for guests at the social are priced at $30 per person and includes a cookout with burgers, hot dogs, clam chowder and pulled pork sandwiches. A cash bar will also be available.
“It’s wonderful that there is a choice where to donate and everyone feels strongly about giving to the charities. This year we’re very happy to be focusing on help for the Bahamas,” he adds.
