By Michael Denicola
The Mount Sinai Sailing Association in Mount Sinai, NY sponsored its 42nd Annual American Cancer Society Regatta on Saturday, September 16. We are very proud that our event is the second longest continuous running charity regatta in the United States. During that time, we have raised over half a million dollars for the American Cancer Society.
We’d like to offer special thanks to two of our sister clubs for their support of this event. Thanks to Mount Sinai Yacht Club (MSYC) for their continued support, including use of their facility for the After-Race-Party; and to Port Jefferson Yacht Club (PJYC) who provided their Committee Boat with crew, and guest moorings for our out-of-town participants.
There were twenty-seven boats registered to race in three divisions, Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker and Cruising. All proceeds from their entry fees goes directly to the American Cancer Society.
The weather was not with us this year, with winds of 25 to 30 knots, gusts over 35 and rough seas thanks to Hurricane Lee. Intrepid crews on thirteen boats from three clubs in two divisions (Spinnaker and Non-Spin) decided to head out and race. Considering the conditions, all of the captains and crew did a great job. Several boats had to withdraw due to equipment failures and other issues.
A total of seven boats finished. The elapsed time of the boats that finished ran from 59:04 to 1:23:24. You can view photos of the race on the MSSA website at mssa.org.
The unfavorable racing conditions didn’t prevent our sailors and members from enjoying the camaraderie, food and drinks donated by a number of local restaurants at the post-race celebration. Local vendors and supporters donated a collection of over fifty items that were raffled and auctioned, providing additional revenue for the ACS.
The winners of the ACS Cups were announced: the Casey Cup for Best Non-Spinnaker Yacht, the Coastline Wealth Management Cup for the winner of the Virtual Regatta, the Joann Cup for the Best Spinnaker Yacht performance and the Mather Cup for the club with the three best finishing yachts. A special thanks goes out to the sponsors of these cups for their continued support.
Mount Sinai Yacht Club hosted the After-Race-Party.
If you measure success by participation, celebration, amount raised and donated to the American Cancer Society this year’s Regatta was a big success. A big “Thank You” goes out to the racing entries, all those that donated time, money and prizes, the participating yacht clubs, and our ACS representatives. Without everyone’s help, it would not have been possible to achieve. ■
