South Florida sailors prepare for the 2012 Hospice by the Sea Regatta

More than 50 sailboats from throughout South Florida are expected to race in the 2012 Hospice by the Sea Regatta on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., skippers and crews competing in five racing classes will test their skills on a 12-mile course just off the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach. For the past 16 years, this highly anticipated sailing event has raised funds to support hospice care for patients and families residing in South Florida.

After an exciting day of racing, both sailors and supporters of Hospice by the Sea are invited to attend the Post-race Awards Ceremony and Celebration at the prestigious Coral Ridge Yacht Club. More than 300 guests will gather at 6:30 p.m. for an evening filled with live entertainment and casual waterfront dining. Tickets to the Post-race Awards Ceremony and Celebration may be purchased for $50 per person.

The 2012 Hospice by the Sea Regatta is proudly hosted by the Lauderdale Yacht Club, Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club and the Gulfstream Sailing Club. This event is opened to all competitive racers and is just one stop on the National Hospice Regatta Alliance's racing circuit. The winner of this year's Regatta will qualify to compete in the 2013 Hospice Regattas National Championship, which will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In addition to trophies being awarded to top finishers in each racing class, four coveted trophies will be awarded to boats that raise the most funds in support of Hospice by the Sea, Inc. This year's fundraising awards include the Diana Stephenson Fundraising Challenge Award (presented to the Regatta's top overall fundraiser); the Lauderdale Yacht Club Fundraising Trophy; the Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club Fundraising Trophy; and the Wes Holmes Memorial Fundraising Trophy (given by the Gulfstream Sailing Club).

Hospice by the Sea, Inc. is a not-for-profit provider of hospice care, palliative care, home health care, and caregiver services and support in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. For a copy of the official Notice of Race for the 2012 Hospice by the Sea Regatta or to purchase advanced tickets to the Post-race Awards Ceremony and Celebration, please call Hospice by the Sea, Inc. at (561) 416-5132, or visit www.hbts.org