Hospice regatta to sail into Southwest Harbor

These summer days, sailboats of all kinds grace Maine harbors — a floating testament to the yachtsmen and -women who cruise there or make them their homes.

This weekend, Young America skipper Kevin Mahaney and other sailors will converge on the Great Harbor Marina in Southwest Harbor for the second Hospice Regatta of Maine. They will attend not only for pleasure, but to assist those whose battle terminal illnesses.

This year’s regatta, on Saturday, July 25, will benefit Hospice programs for Maine’s terminally ill adults and children. More than 40 racer-cruiser and International One Design sailboats are expected to compete in the five race classes. Eighty percent of the proceeds will be given to Hospice of Hancock County and Hospice of St. Joseph.

James Fernald, Mount Desert Island resident and Maine Maritime Academy graduate, started the Hospice Regatta of Maine after sailing in the Hospice Cup in Annapolis, Md.

“The event was so well attended, and it seemed so natural to bring Hospice together with sailing, especially in a state like Maine with such a strong sailing tradition,” Fernald says.

The Hospice Regatta of Maine is the nation’s largest charity regatta in revenue, fleet size and number of participants. It is one of only two charity sailboat races in Maine. The other is the MS Regatta of Portland. It is part of the Hospice Regatta Alliance. The nationwide network features more than 20 benefit regattas annually.

Walter Cronkite and author William F. Buckley are among the many celebrity yachtsmen who have supported the alliance.

This year, Kevin Mahaney is serving as the Hospice Regatta of Maine’s honorary chairman. He will attend but not race in this year’s regatta.

Hospice is a national program that helps terminally ill patients and their families cope with the sickness as well as the grief. Hospice care, for the most part, is administered in the home, allowing patients to remain with their families, while receiving medical care.

Last year, more than 30 percent of terminally ill Americans, and 40 percent of terminal cancer patients received Hospice care. About 125 volunteers helped over 200 families in Hancock County in 1997.

This year’s regatta will include a full day of events, beginning with a continental breakfast and skippers meeting. The races are set to begin at 10 a.m. The benefit will conclude with a reception and awards ceremony hosted by Mahaney and a lobster bake accompanied by a steel drum band.

A custom sailing print by nationally recognized artist Willard Bond will be on sale. The print was created exclusively for the Hospice Regatta Alliance.

Last year’s Hospice Regatta of Maine raised over $25,000 for local Hospice groups. For general information, call 667-2531. For race information, call James Fernald at 244-0236.