family. “Something about the water where you have to be in the moment, it’s the time when you are able to forget.” This excitement is echoed through many other boats and familiar faces and is not hard to come by each week.
CRuising for a Cause: The Leukemia Cup To kick off the summer each June, Elliott Bay Marina hosts the Leukemia Cup Regatta. What began in 2005 as a fundraiser event, the one-day weekend regatta has morphed into one of the largest charity sailing events in the Pacific Northwest. The event attracts a lot of the same boats and crews that are regulars for the weeknight series as well as several from the local racing fleet. Following the same racecourse and rules as the Downtown Sailing Series, the fundraiser brings sailors and friends out of the woodwork with an entry list of well over a hundred boats. This year alone over $158,000 was raised, and throughout the event’s history has raised over $1,500,000 to support blood-borne diseases. More than simply a fundraiser, it’s a way for patients and survivors to get out on the water and take part in the event and is a truly special experience for both guests and sailors to remember the day. As with the Thursday night series, the day comes to a close with a party on the lawn filled with smiles and sunburns. A tiki-themed party with a fantastic band, prizes for both the racing, and more importantly the fundraising, finish out the day. I would recommend that anyone with a sailboat put the Leukemia Cup Regatta on their calendar, for it’s not just a good cause, it’s also a lot of fun.
Entrants large and small prepare for the race.
Smoke and Kyrnos face off, a TP52 vs. a Barnett 56.
BUilding a Larger Sailing Community The series and Leukemia Cup both serve as an excellent avenue for local companies to get active and involved with the boating community. Long-standing title sponsor BMW regularly has the newest auto models on hand at the BBQ and the sponsors are always happy to answer any questions. In addition to the title sponsors, weekly sponsors donate prizes and support the event. Many local marine companies get involved, and it is a fantastic way for them to give back to the sailing community all the while promoting their services and meeting with their customers face to face. With the same sponsors returning year after year and the continued support of the sailing community, it’s a good example of what a well-run and well-managed event looks like. While the sponsorship is key to supporting an event like this, at the end of the day it is still a labor of love for Dwight Jones and his staff at Elliott Bay Marina.
Competitors raise the spinnakers as cruisers roll the jib.
Continued on Page 64
Obsession, a 70-foot custom Sparkman-Stephens design. AUGUST 2016 // NORTHWEST YACHTING 63