Heaven Can Wait on target for half a million in 2022

The 15th year of the Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta (HCW) raised $38,000, bringing the total raised so far to $470k and set the goal of $500k for 2022. The event is the centrepiece of Lakefest – a celebration of aquatic and land-based activities on and around Lake Macquarie and hosted by the Toronto Royal Motor Yacht Club.

Regatta Director and Vice Commodore of the RMYC– Mel Steiner said “The money raised is primarily for the Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW and their Home Help Program – a program that supports recovering and terminal cancer patients who are unable to perform their domestic duties because of their condition. The regatta also raises money for Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue who provide on water support during the running of the regatta.”

The regatta not only brings boats from local ports – Newcastle to Sydney, but as far away as Queensland and Victoria and is a key activity that supports the council’s objective of activating the Toronto Foreshore.

Image S Pritchard.

HEAVEN CAN WAIT BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE $40,000

The 2019 Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta (HCW) is done and dusted and proceeds totalling $40,000 have been handed over to the beneficiaries – The Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW and Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue (who provide on water support during the running of the regatta).

The HCW is primarily a fundraiser for the Home Help Program, an initiative of the Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW, which assists terminal and recovering cancer patients who, because of their condition, are unable to fulfil their domestic responsibilities. The program supports patients who need help with activities such as lawn mowing, house cleaning and many other domestic chores.

2019 was the 13th running of the HCW Regatta and fundraising this year brings the total amount raised for the Hunter Branch of Cancer Council NSW, to more than $300,000.

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.