The American Yacht Club Fall Regatta, scheduled for September 23-24 & September 30-October 1, will once again bring high-level, big-boat racing to Western Long Island Sound. I’d like to draw your attention to a very special part of this annual event. American Yacht Club is once again the proud host of sail4kids, an exciting event to raise awareness and funds to support programs and services at the new Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at
For all sailors, though, the highlight of the evening will certainly be unique. Preeminent yacht designer Olin Stephens will be honored with the 2006 Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Champion Award. Co-founder of Sparkman & Stephens, Olin’s accomplishments span more than seven decades and are legendary. Sparkman & Stephens’ design of the Sailing Salon at the hospital has received much praise for its design as well as its functional role in the healing process for children with acute illnesses. The occasion will be that much more special when Olin is presented with the award by his friend, John Rousmaniere, renowned writer, historian and sailor. Since the relationship between American Yacht Club and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital was forged in 2003, the members of the sailing community have rallied to support this incredible, state-of-the-art facility. Together, we have raised the awareness about this unique and important hospital but, most notably, we have raised nearly $700,000. Our goal this year is to race past the $1 million mark. This year we would also like to offer a challenge! The club that is represented by the highest number of members in attendance at the Captain’s Party (American Yacht Club is not eligible) will receive a limited edition, framed print of the original line drawings of the famed Dorade signed by Olin Stephens! Please invite your members to join us for the Captains’ Dinner on Friday evening and to continue racing on Saturday and Sunday for both the Wachovia Cup and American Yacht Club Fall Regatta prizes. The second weekend of the AYC Fall Regatta has been designated the Wachovia Cup weekend in which special prizes are awarded to yachtsmen and competing yachts in designated events. The American Yacht Club Fall Regatta is a classic drawing more than 100 boats and hundreds of yachtsmen from all around the Sound and beyond. Visit AYC's website for more information about preior regattas and to sign up for 2006. This event also includes a Navigator’s Class, which is a course designed to accommodate boats and skippers that do not usually race or may not maintain a complement of honed crew. Join in the fun racing around the government marks, shorthanded or fully crewed, on shortened courses to facilitate entry by the cruising sailor |
