Monday 4 March 2019

2019 Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta

By Mel Steiner, Vice Commodore RMYCT

The 2019 Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta – run over the weekend of February 23 and 24, proved to be a very challenging time for competitors, particularly those doing the overnight races with 30 plus knots of wind experienced in the early hours of Sunday morning. Many competitors experienced gear failure. Only 6 of the 15 boats entered in the 24 hour race, completed the 24 hours of racing.

Not only did he take out Line Honors for the One Lap Dash – a 30 nautical mile dash around the length and breadth of the lake, but Andrew Sim sailing a Moth - Out Of The Blue, also took out the Overall Handicap position and Division 1 Handicap. More importantly, Andrew broke Nathan Outteridge's 2013 record for the One Lap dash completing the circuit in 2h 11m 20s - a shade under 3 minutes better than Nathan's record.

Full results can be viewed at www.rmyctoronto.com.au/race-results.

Pre race entertainment featured well known local aerobatic pilot – Paul Bennett, who put on dazzling display for competitors and the local community, in front of the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Toronto. This is the second year that Paul has starred in the event and is a key component of this annual event.

The Heaven Can Wait Regatta is a fundraiser – primarily for the Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW and their Home Help Program, with some funds going to Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie who provide on water support during the event. Funds are raised via corporate sponsorship, a charity dinner and auction, race entry fees and fundraising activities on the part of competitors and crew, their friends, family and work associates. The numbers are still being tabulated and are expected to be less than 2018 – a record year, mainly because much of the available charity funds have been directed toward drought relief, however we do expect to raise in the order of $40,000 from this year’s regatta. In total, over $300,000 has been raised through the Heaven Can Wait Regatta in support of the Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW.


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