Hospice Cup XXX Coming in September

The Hospice Cup XXX, America's largest charity regatta, will be held  Sept. 24 while celebrating its 30th year of racing on the Chesapeake Bay.

According to a press release, to date, the Hospice Cup has raised more than $8 million to support Hospice programs in local communities around the Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. 

“Hospice Cup is a wonderful opportunity to bring hospices in the region together to raise awareness of the hospice mission,” said Brien Jones-Lantzy, Hospice Cup, Inc. president in a press release.

“The great thing about this event is that you don’t have to be a racer to get in on the action. Volunteers are in the middle of the scene and spectators can enjoy the race from the comfort of a yacht and enjoy a catered lunch, open bar, and live commentary.”

The regatta takes place on the Chesapeake Bay off the mouth of the Severn River and is a highlight of the area’s racing season, counting for the CBYRA season-long High Point competition.

Boat owners and/or sailors have the choice of participating in two levels of racing: Novice sailors can race in the HOSPICE CLASS, a non-spinnaker class where participants are given additional instruction by Shearwater Sailing Club and compete against boats in a fun and easy way in a circular race course.

The second option, CYBRA CLASS, is for more experienced sailors. Sponsors, donors and invited guests can enjoy the races from the decks of a luxury charter boat, complete with open bar and catered lunch.

On board race commentators will help bring the race alive as they discuss sailing maneuvers and boat positioning during the race.

After the races, supporters head to the Shore Party at Annapolis Sailing School on Back Creek to partake in a wine auction, bid on one of the numerous items in the live auction, and to enjoy the band, catered food and a full bar.

The highlight of the day is the awards ceremony, celebrating the racers and funds raised for Hospice Care.

Hospice Cup, Inc. is seeking companies and individuals to donate funds, goods and services and underwrite event expenses such as marketing materials, event T-shirts, and infrastructure. Donations to Hospice Cup, Inc. help the organization realize its mission of raising funds for and awareness of hospice care in the community

To sponsor or volunteer for this event, please contact info@hospicecup.org or visit www.hospicecup.org.

About Hospice Cup

Hospice Cup funds help to pay the expenses not covered by Medicare or private insurance. These dollars enable the hospices to provide skilled compassionate care, comfort and dignity to the terminally ill, their families and friends, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospice enables patients to carry on alert, pain-controlled lives so their last days may be spent in comfort, at home or in home-like settings. Hospice care concentrates on care, not cure. Bereavement counseling and support groups are part of hospice services after the loss of a loved one.

The annual Hospice Cup regatta is a cooperative effort. It is organized by the all-volunteer Hospice Cup, Inc.(HCI) Board of Directors, an Executive Director, participating area hospices and hundreds of volunteers.

The race is managed by Shearwater Sailing Club and assisted by Storm Trysail Club Chesapeake Station.

The 2011 participating hospices include: Hospice of the Chesapeake, Capital Caring Hospice, Montgomery Hospice, Chester River Home Care & Hospice, and Talbot Hospice. Each hospice must meet the standards of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

The Hospice Cup race is sanctioned by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA) and counts for CBYRA season-long High Point competition. Additional information about the race can be found online at the official Hospice Cup web site www.hospicecup.org.