Trailer sailer community raising funds in memory of a lost mate

by Mark Cherrington on 27 Sep 2012 Paul David, a long-time contributor to and supporter of trailer-sailer community website and resource www.trailersailerplace.com.au (TSP) recently passed away after a battle with cancer.

During Paul's illness, fellow TSP participant Simon Rock had offered Paul a week's free use of his Whitsundays charter Catalina 320 Rockstar – but sadly Paul was unable to take advantage of this offer before he died in early September.

Now in Paul's memory, Simon is raffling off a week's use of Rockstar through TSP – and as of September 26 had raised over $2000.

Simon will be donating all proceeds of the raffle to the 2012 Heaven Can Wait Charity Yacht Regatta.

The Heaven Can Wait Regatta, now in its seventh year, includes a 24 hour race around Lake Macquarie, along with a One Lap Dash and for the first time this year, a 12 hour race.

To be held on Saturday September 29 and Sunday September 30, the event raises money for the Cancer Council NSW towards research and support programs into men's cancers.

'Paul was an active member for many years, including being the author of the very popular and extremely informative sailing manual, 'Welcome Aboard' (which is available through www.trailersailerplace.com.au),' said Simon.

'We have decided to combine the raffle with HCW, so as to to maximise the money raised in the fight against cancer.

'ALL of the tickets sold will go to the anti-cancer cause, and we will pick up any costs ourselves,' he said.

'This would not be possible without the generous support of the Whitsundays leading charter company Charter Yachts Australia – you can visit them online here.'

Unfortunately Simon will not be able to participate in this year's HCW regatta due to prior commitments, but TSP will be represented at the pre-race briefing this Saturday by Terry Sinclair – who will be selling additional raffle tickets to participants.

In addition, a Lake Macquarie-based group of Catalina sailers will be watching the start and following the fleet for a time.

To purchase a raffle ticket for a week's charter on Rockstar, please click Heaven Can Wait Regatta website