• The Reach for Hospice committee has met and we are excited about ways to build on the great job done by George and Elaine Chandler to stage another great event. Fortunately we will have their expertise again, but with less involvement as they balance some other family priorities. This year we will again emphasize that it is all about Hospice. Our job is to find ways to acquire donations for this worthy cause. We need to re-enlist the strong support from our many corporate sponsors and to continue the increase in personal contributions. All of you can help: who do you know in the business world from whom we could solicit a contribution? Please contact Ed or Judy English at 360-582-9916 or ejsailor@att.net.

• To meet our objectives this year, we need a team of power boaters and sailors to join forces to put on two events: Our first event occurs on 6 September. Generous members of the donating public ($100+ contribution for Reach for Hospice) will be offered an afternoon on the water, either on a power boat for a spectating ride or as a sailor as part of a racing event. Our second event is the traditional “Reach for Hospice” race on 20 September. During this event, we will use four power boats to provide support as race committee and as “mark” boats where they will stand off of each mark to form a “gate” through which the racers must pass. This will offer exciting spectating and improve the running of the race if we need to shorten course.

• Most importantly, we encourage you to reach out to help when asked. You can always select your favorite participating powerboat or sail boat and contribute in their name. Let’s see if the power boaters can knock the Admiral out of first place as the lead contribution gatherer. You can also get directly involved in putting the event on by volunteering your help. We will be reaching out over the summer for people to assist in all manner of logistics: Ted Shanks and Jim Jones are coordinating the power boaters, Rudy Heessels and Durkee Richards are coordinating race participants, Mary Jeanne Richards and Elaine Chandler are coordinating the dinner event, Susan Sorensen is doing publicity, and of course George Chandler, Joel Magisos, Bob McClinton, Bob Macaulay, Dave Spencer and Don Sorensen are available for heavy lifting.

The REACH FOR HOSPICE Sailboat Race, held each fall, is a full day regatta hosted by the Sequim Bay Yacht Club to benefit Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.

• In 1991 Dr. Mike Crim, Sailfleet Captain, proposed a sailboat race to raise funds for Hospice of Clallam County.
  
• The first race, organized by Mike and Scott Ogilvie, was held on Nov. 9-10 - an overnight race from Sequim Bay around Smith Island and back, c.35 miles round trip. With traditional “westerly” winds, the race would be a reach both ways, hence the name “Reach for Hospice”. Seven yachts participated and raised $1,574.00 in donations to Hospice!
• The race format has changed over the years, however the goal remains to raise money for respite care for families of hospice patients. From 1991 to this date, the Reach for Hospice Event has raised over $105,000.
  
• In 1996 the Fred Tidyman Memorial Trophy was established in memory of Fred who had done so much to support the sail fleet activities of the Sequim Bay Yacht Club. Each year the winners of each race division are honored by having their names engraved on the trophy.
  

The Sequim Bay Yacht Club welcomes any sailor who would like to enjoy an afternoon of competitive sailing. Entry fee for the race is a donation to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County. After the race, participants enjoy a no-host potluck dinner the main meeting room of the John Wayne Marina building. Donations are made directly to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, with notation that the money is for “Reach for Hospice Sponorship“.

• Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County is a nonprofit organization; your gift is recognized as a tax deductible donation.