2016 Heaven Can Wait Regatta preview and notice of race

by Melvyn Steiner on 20 Jul 2015 Previous Heaven Can Wait participant’s, The Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto is pleased to announce that our next Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta (HCW) is scheduled for February 19 (HCW Dinner) and February 20-21 (Regatta), 2016.

The last HCW (February 2015) was a very successful event with around 65 boats starting with a work up to Speers Point followed by a spectacular spinnaker run back towards Toronto. Last year was the ninth running of the Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta, raising $35,000 in support of the Heaven Can Wait Charities – primarily the Hunter branch of the NSW Cancer Council and a smaller amount to Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie for their on water support during the regatta.

This brings the total funds raised in support of the Hunter Branch of the NSW Cancer Council, to more than $200,000 – a fantastic effort by our supporters. 2016 will be the 10th Anniversary of the event – a milestone that Shaun Lewicki – initiator of the regatta, thought would not be possible. Clearly we are working to make this 10th Anniversary regatta, bigger and better than ever – regardless of what the weather wants to throw at us.

Changes for the 2016 event will appeal to a greater audience with the re-introduction of a short One Lap Dash course in addition to the Classic 30 Mile One Lap Dash course. The shorter course will appeal to Trailer Sailer’s (Non Sport Boats) and Off The Beach Boats. Of course, Trailer Sailer’s and Off The Beach boats will still be able to enter the Classic 30 Mile One Lap Dash if they wish. Boats competing in the Short One Lap course, will not be eligible to compete in the 12 and 24 Hour Races.

The 2016 HCW Promotional Poster is attached, and the Preliminary Notice Of Race is already on the club website. We expect the final NOR to be available shortly.

Once again, HCW will be a part of Lakefest – a weeklong celebration of Aquatic Activity on the beautiful waters of Lake Macquarie. Lakefest will run from February 19 through February 28.

So, Plan to be on Lake Macquarie in February 2016 - put the dates in your diary, get your crews lined up and prepare to participate in one or more of the events – the Classic 30 Mile One Lap Dash, the 12 Hour Challenge, the 24 Hour Endurance or the shortened One Lap Dash, and in the process, raise money for this outstanding cause.