The most unique sailing event on Lake Macquarie, the Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta, returns for its 13th year this February in a quest to raise funds for cancer patients in the Hunter.
About 80 boats are expected to take part and proceeds from the event fund the Home Help Program, overseen by Cancer Council NSW, which provides domestic support to cancer patients in need of assistance around the home.
The Regatta is organised and run by the Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC) in Toronto and features a variety of events, including a 24-Hour Endurance race that will test the strength and stamina of some of the most experienced sailors from both Lake Macquarie and other ports in the state.
RMYC Vice Commodore, Mel Steiner, said, while it was a challenging event, all of the crews looked forward to the test.
“I recall one crew member – a lady, describing it as like giving birth, but you come back for more,” he said.
“The Regatta has become a hugely popular event on the sailing calendar but it’s also a great spectacle for those watching from the shore.”
In addition to the 24-Hour Endurance Race, the Regatta will feature specially designed courses to cater for different types of vessels.
Other events include a Classic One Lap Dash for yachts, trailer sailers, multi hulls and larger off-the-beach vessels, a 12-Hour Challenge race for yachts, trailer sailers and multi hulls, and a shorter course for other yachts, trailer sailers, multi hulls and off-the-beach vessels.
Heaven Can Wait was the brainchild of Shaun Lewicki – a Lake Macquarie resident, keen sailor and cancer survivor.
“Initially we wanted to raise funds for cancer research, particularly men’s cancers, but also promote sailing and promote the Lake Macquarie region,” Mr Lewicki said.
“Cancer Council NSW identified the worthiness of a Home Help Program in the Hunter so, for the fifth consecutive year, the event will directly fund this program.
“The program provides domestic assistance to both recovering and terminal cancer patients who, because of their illness, are unable to perform many of the home duties they would normally do.”
The 2018 edition set a new fundraising record, with $44,000 raised for the worthy cause.
This year’s Regatta will kick off with a charity dinner on Friday 22 February at the RMYC.
Tom Braidwood, a participant in several Volvo Round The World Yacht Races, and Erica Kirby, an international protest judge and one of the judges in the 2017 Hobart Race protest where Comanche protested Wild Oats 11, will be special guests.
The Regatta start on Saturday morning will also feature an outstanding aerobatic display by renowned Hunter pilot Paul Bennet at about 10am.
The event takes place from 23 to 24 February as part of Lakefest, a two-week celebration of aquatic activity on Lake Macquarie, which starts on February 16.
Visit either heavencanwait.com.au or lakefest.com.au for more information.
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