3rd annual Hospice by the Sea Regatta
by Deborah Solow 23 May 2013 10:31 BST
18 May 2013
40 boats took part in the Hospice by the Sea Regatta © Poz Pictures
Forty-three sailboats from South Florida competed in the Hospice by the Sea Regatta held Saturday, May 18th off of Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Bret Moss of Southwest Ranches sailed his Beach Cat, USA 255, to victory and will again represent the not-for-profit healthcare provider in the 2014 Hospice Regattas National Championship slated for St. Petersburg, Florida next April. Another Beach Cat, captained by Norm Hansen finished in second place. Steven Maffetone aboard 1776, a Hobie 16, was the third boat to finish.
Prior to the start of the race, Fred Mortensen, Chaplain for Hospice by the Sea, provided a blessing of the boats from the nearby shore which was a perfect way to start the day. "We really were blessed with perfect conditions," exclaimed Gaylord "Jay" Wood, Principal Race Officer PRO) who oversaw the competition from the Holman Automotive Committee boat, a 46' catamaran generously provided by Ft. Lauderdale resident, Nuno Pinho.
Paula J. Alderson, President and CEO, Hospice by the Sea, Inc., had an ideal spot to watch the race from aboard the viewing boat, Bella, a 36 ft. Sea Ray, captained by Paul and Diane Ferrara. "We are thrilled to have such a glorious day for the sailors and their crews. The continuing support of Ft. Lauderdale's sailing community makes this exciting event possible. It is a genuine pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of people," Paula Alderson said.
Following the Regatta, in front of a crowd of more than two-hundred supporters, the three overall winners along with the top three boats in each of the six classes: ARC, Beach Cat, One DesignCruising Canvas, Multihull and PHRF, received their awards at a post-race celebration held at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club. In honor of the late Diana Stephenson, the "Hospice by the Sea Fundraising Challenge Award" was presented by her husband, Mark Stephenson and their daughter, Melissa, to Magic, skippered by Michael Duvall.
For thirty-five years, Hospice by the Sea, Inc. has provided compassionate hospice care. A continuum of other services available to patients and families in Palm Beach and Broward counties includes palliative care, home health care services, complementary therapies and caregiver support. Funds raised enable care for patients unreimbursed by insurance providers, ensure that Camp Good Grief, a bereavement camp for children, can be held twice a year and that facility construction and renovation can continue. For further information, visit www.hbts.org or call 800-392-3188.