Leukemia Cup

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Mark Burrows

I have been looking into participating the Leukemia Cup Regatta in Annapolis, MD on June 5. Has anyone participated in this event? If so, what was it like? What should I know before entering? Mark
 
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Bruce Cowin

Mark, I participated in the Leukemia Cup held at Carlyle Lake, which was probably not as large an event as I would think Annapolis is. There were several different divisions; One-design, cruisers with spinnakers, and without spinnakers. I think there were well over 70 sailboats racing. That was my first year racing, and I had a great time, even though I didn't win (I didn't finish last either). I am registered to race again this year (Memorial Day weekend). It would be good to be familiar with the starting sequence they will use, that way you know when it's your division's turn to start. Also, read up on the rules of racing - if you're not already on top of that. Before the race, we met and were given a nice skippers bag filled with all sorts of goodies. The bags and goodies were provided by larger corporate sponcers. After our race was over, there was a dinner and an awards ceremony, followed by much celebration. To start off the fund raising this year, Buddy Melges came to St Louis and spoke at a nice cocktail party mixer. He had some pretty funny stories to relate to us about his experiences with raceing for 60 years. Gary Jobson has been heavily involved in these races in the past, but most unfortunately and very ironically, he has contracted Leukemia and has been unable to participate. The good new about Gary - he is on the road to recovering now. The most important thing about this to remember - it's a charity event, and meant to be fun for everyone involved. I've already begun raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They offer prizes for the Yacht club that raises the most money, and also for individual fund raising efforts. The prizes ranged from an all expense paid trip to the BVI, to a large discount on a sail purchase from UK, to various other lesser prizes. We have 6 research scientists in the St. Louis Area and 89% of the money we raise goes to fund them. The sailors at Carlyle have raised just over $150,000 in the three previous years that the race has been held. I'm looking forward to this years race! Wishing you the best of luck, Bruce Cowin
 
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Mark Burrows

Thanks Bruce

Unfortunately, my biggest challenge is getting a boat for participating. I know they do the Phantom Boat but its not the same. Not that I won't do that since the point is to raise money. I emailed the guy coordinating the racing portion and got a hardcore, round the bouys response(debating windward-leeward course vs olympic, drop boat, judges, Etchells, harumph, harumph, yak yak yak). I just wanted to know what the Leukemia class consisted of. Anyway, I will continue my boat quest (maybe Seamans, hmmm....) and start the fundraising. Good luck in St. Louis. Markdb
 
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Chris McLoughlin

We have participated in the last 3 Volvo/Leukemia Cup Regatta's in Mystic CT. The first year we finished last. The second time we finished next to last, and last year we finished last. We had a BLAST! It is a low pressure high fun event. The party after the race is great. On a high note, last year we finished 3rd in fund raising. Chris
 
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Andy

Thanks Chris, Bruce, and all

As a survivor, I want to say thanks to those who sail for this cause and encourage others to participate. It very well might be that your help allowed me to sail. I began after my illness. The Society was very supportive to my wife and me in addition to the the research they sponser. There is a "cold one" for each of you on my boat (just don't show up all at once). Andy "Baroque"
 
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Art Femenella

Keyport Regatta

There is a Leukemia Cup being held at the Keyport Yacht Club in Keyport NJ. Dates are June 5 & 6. Anyone interested should contact me and I can forward more information. Regatta is for monohulls over 22 feet in length. Ususally very well attended with a Mt Gay rum party and other shoreside festivities. Auctions, dinners, everything possible to raise money for the cause. Please send requests to the link below
 
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Art

From SpinSheet...contact Jacquie Roth, Maryland Chapter, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 800.242.4572 or 410.825.2500, email at rothl@md.leukemia-lymphoma.org, or visit www.leukemiacup.org.
 
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Mark Burrows

Got a boat and we're off!

I asked my skipper of our Wednesday night racing boat if we could use his Nicholson 33 (see photo) and he said sure. He also asked if he could go along. (I thought he was racing to Bermuda). He was a lot more enthusiastic than I expected. So, we have a Leukemia Cup entry. I've started strategizing as far as raising money. Mostly I'm going to focus on the execs at work and friends. I think I'll ask our racing association after next weeks race. I don't have any experience doing this so I don't know what a realistic goal would be. Anyone have any tips on fundraising? Markdb
 

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