Join Us for the 34th Annual Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta

This year marks the 34th Anniversary of the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta, held for each of the past 33 years at Shell Point Beach on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Wakulla County.  This year's event is scheduled for April 27 – April 29, 2007.  The regatta is for the benefit of the American Cancer Society in memory of Stephen Smith, a local sailor who died from a rare form of leukemia at the age of 29.  The 2007 event organizers are the Apalachee Bay Yacht Club (ABYC), the Shell Point Sailboard Club (SPSC), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and numerous businesses and individuals.

The Regatta draws about 200 registered participants and hundreds more spectators from all over the southeast.  The event includes: races for yachts rated under the PHRF handicapping system, catamarans such as Hobie Cats, smaller day sailors including Sunfish, and windsurfers, the most numerous and arguably the most colorful participants in the Regatta.  A new category to the event includes a Parrothead boat parade with theme decorated vessels competing for trophies.  (SS Minnow pictured below.)

The windsurfing fleet will be competing for points in their national standings.  Catamarans and one-design day sailors, and small and large (22 feet and over) monohulls will race over their own courses.  Races are held both Saturday and Sunday, with other events for sponsors, spectators, and participants on Saturday evening.  The popular Parrothead boat parade follows on Sunday.

The public is invited to view the races on Saturday and Sunday, and to participate in the auction of thousands of dollars worth of donated items on Sunday afternoon beginning after the trophy presentations (about 2:00 pm).  Everyone can have a great time and pick up some great deals while making a contribution to help us all fight cancer.

In addition to the many patient services provided to children and adults, the American Cancer Society funds research and public education, which is vital in the effort against this silent killer.  The American Cancer Society receives no government funding and relies exclusively on the generous support of private donations.  In the last five years, the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta Foundation, Inc. was able to contribute over $85,000 to the ACS, the majority of which stayed in the Big Bend area, providing educational programs and patient services to area residents.

Businesses or individuals wishing to participate as sponsors will be recognized in Regatta media and receive a number of benefits appropriate to the level of support.  Contributions may be made by donating items for the auction, in-kind merchandise to support the event, or negotiable funds.  Donations will be recognized in the Regatta Program Booklet and on the sponsor board.

Click here to view an article (with great photos) from last year's event!

This article originally published on March 9, 2007.

Written by :

mkwestmark

 

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