By Leslie Marquette Rousseau, BYC Fleet Captain & National Hospice Regatta Alliance (NHRA) Secretary
On July 3rd , the Boston Yacht Club (BYC) revived the North Shore Hospice Regatta Charity Pursuit Race, directing all net proceeds to benefit Care Dimensions (Hospice of the North Shore). Prior to COVID, this beloved annual event rotated among the clubs and united sailors, supporters, and community members, celebrating compassion and raising crucial funds for hospice care.
Laura Berry White, both a hospice nurse and a BYC sailor, championed the race’s return after a 5-year hiatus. “It’s a re-building year for the Hospice Regatta. We plan to learn from this event, have some fun, and parley it into something bigger next year,” she stated.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the North Shore’s coast, and running just before the Marblehead to Halifax (MHOR) bi-annual event, the regatta is more than just a race—it’s a community gathering filled with camaraderie, shared stories, and a collective commitment to support those and their loved ones facing serious illness.
A variety of boats came out, from sport boats like “Indra” (skippered by the BYC’s Kim Breed) to a classic Chris Hood Design daysailer “Aura” (Skippered by Rob Gorman – EYC). It was a picture-perfect early summer evening, and everyone enjoyed a gorgeous night out on the water although most were hoping for more wind!
The pursuit race format is perfect for this type of casual racing, each boat gets their own start – keeping the start of the race, which can be intense, a little more relaxed and inviting for those who don’t race very often. Slower boats start first, and everyone works to pass as many boats in front of them as they can.
The after-race festivities included a silent auction, burgers at the BYC gazebo, and of course, awards, handed out by Principal Race Officer (PRO) Peter Dragonas. “Fawn Lebowitz”, skippered by BYC’s Bump Wilcox, took the honors in Racing Class. Kim Breed’s “Indra” came in second and Jud and Cindy Smith’s Africa B-Squad (EYC) took third. Cruising Class aka Jib and Main (JAM) was won by Charles Herlihy on Corsair, also a BYC boat. The Spirit Award, which was selected by the Race Committee and donated by Pat & Leslie Rousseau (NHRA), went to Past Commodore Jennie Aspinall, sailing her Alerion “Mistoffolees”.
“Jennie always supports BYC Racing, and she is a great competitor. She deserves the Spirit Award,” said PRO Peter Dragonas. The organizers are grateful for the support of Rumson’s Rum and Bruce Durkee Photography, and all those who donated items for the silent auction.
Looking forward, the organizing committee is already setting their sights on next year, inspired by an enthusiastic turnout and the sense of renewed tradition. There’s a palpable sense that this regatta has once again anchored itself as a highlight of the BYC calendar—a chance for sailors and supporters to come together, not just for the thrill of the race, but to make a real difference in the lives of those requiring hospice care.
If you missed this year’s event and want to get involved in planning the next, please reach out to Secretary@bostonyc.org. At some point, everyone needs hospice services.