Make-A-Wish regatta raises $150K

The Island Now

The Port Washington Yacht Club hosted its 12th Annual Junior Regatta to benefit Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York on Sunday, July 21.  

Over the years, this junior regatta has raised more than $150,000 to support the mission of  Make-A-Wish:  to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  

Sharon Abruzzo, a long standing member of the club, started the Regatta in 2001. Sharon wanted to raise wish funds for a relative. 

After a successful, initial regatta in 2001, the regatta became a staid event for the Club.  

Participating in this fundraiser has become an annual tradition led by the Jr. Sailing Committee, numerous volunteers and the members of the Junior Yacht club for the enjoyment of junior sailors and members of the Port Washington Yacht Club and other neighboring clubs. 

The Port Washington Jr. Sailing program also uses the event as a launching board for new sailors to experience their first regatta. An all around good experience for all those involved.

Mother Nature cooperated and provided a beautiful day for sailing.  The wind was blowing from the Northeast at 5 to 10 knots and New York’s longest heat wave in more than a decade had broken.   Approximately 85 junior sailors from all around Long Island Sound came to Port Washington to participate. 

The junior sailors, ages 8 to 15, competed in five different boat classes.   The Laser, Blue Jay, Pixel, J420 and more experienced Optimist sailors completed three races while the beginner racers, the “Green Fleet,” were able to complete four.  The kids all had lots of fun supporting a great cause while doing something they enjoy. 

At the awards ceremony that afternoon, plaques were given to junior sailors for first through fourth places, and prizes were awarded to children who had brought in the most pledges.   

Make-A-Wish also awarded a certificate of appreciation to the three highest fundraisers:  Connor Johnston, a PWYC member, brought in the most pledges for the event.  

With the average cost of a wish approaching $8,000, the success of this year’s regatta should help to fund up to two wishes.  Well done sailors!

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