Sail for Hope on Saturday to raise funds for three charities
by Sail Newport 25 Sep 09:18 NZST
28 September 2024
The One-design 35 Mako heads for the mark Northeast of Rose Island, in 2023 with Ryan Walsh of Dartmouth, MA and crew © Sail Newport
On Saturday, September 28, local sailors plan to race around Conanicut Island in the Sail for Hope. The race around Jamestown is an annual fundraiser, and this year's donations will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Rhode Island Chapter, Warrior Sailing, and Sail Newport's Financial Aid Fund.
Designated charities will receive donations from the regatta and the after-racing fundraising social event. Donations are recruited by sailing crews and members of the community.
"The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Rhode Island Chapter (AFSP-RI) is pleased to be one of the recipients of the generous donations from Sail for Hope. The funds donated will provide critical support that will allow AFSP-RI to provide free suicide prevention programs and resources, advocacy work for mental health and suicide prevention legislation, and support and resources for suicide loss survivors in Rhode Island," says Kerrie Constant, area director AFSP-RI.
A second organization receiving funding from Saturday's race is Warrior Sailing. The nonprofit provides maritime education and outreach for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. They facilitate opportunities for skill development and build partnerships between the military and marine communities. Sailing is their platform to impact participants' physical and mental health positively. Warrior Sailing reconnects veterans to the camaraderie and teamwork previously found in military service.
"Warrior Sailing's impact on veterans through sailing is powered by donations, and we are so grateful for Sail for Hope to include us again. We are excited to work together with the Newport sailing community to help us raise awareness and funds for our mission. The funds raised during this event will continue our mission of providing life changing events from our basic training camps and 'beyond camps' opportunities," says, Ben Poucher, national director, Warrior Sailing.
Also, Sail Newport will receive funding from this year's Sail for Hope. Sail Newport has long provided affordable, deeply discounted, and often free programs to the community as central to their mission to foster the sport of sailing and provide public access to Narragansett Bay.
"The Financial Aid Fund directly supports Sail Newport's mission to provide community access to sailing for all. We regularly hear from families about the significant impact the financial aid awards have in enabling their children to pursue a sailing opportunity that otherwise would be out of reach financially. We are grateful that the generosity of our donors makes the Fund possible," says Eve Formisano, director of development, Sail Newport.
Registration for the 18-mile race around Jamestown is open to sailboats and power boats 22 feet and larger. Sailboats will be scored in PHRF spinnaker, non-spinnaker, and one-design classes. A NEMA rating will be used for scoring multi-hull boats.
Organizers encourage all boaters to participate and will assign a PHRF rating for boats that don't usually race. Boats are also welcome to cruise casually around the island to be part of the flotilla and show of support.
Since its inception in 2001 as "Sail for Pride" after the 9/11 attacks, the event has become a cherished tradition in the local sailing community. Twenty-three years later, sailors still race around Jamestown to support those in need. Over the years, organizers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for over a dozen charities. This generous history is a testament to the local sailing community's enduring spirit of generosity and unity.
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