[ NAUTICAL NEWS + NOTES ]
M AK I N G WAV E S BY RANDY WOODS
[ SUMMER SAILING ]
Downtown Sailing Series, Leukemia Cup Return This Month As the Pacific Northwest emerges from the dark cloud of 2020’s COVID-19 cancellations, Seattle welcomes back two of its early summer highlights this month: The Downtown Sailing Series and the Elliott Bay Leukemia Cup Regatta. The first event of the weekly Sailing Series is set for June 10. Sponsored by Elliott Bay Yacht Sales, the event will feature races and cruises with dozens of boats of every size from Elliott Bay Marina. Afterwards, participants can relax with beer, wine, and hotdogs at the Seattle Yacht Club outstation and win prizes from sponsors. But June 10 is only the beginning. Founded in 2004, the Downtown Sailing Series is held every Thursday during the summer season, featuring popular post-regatta parties with Seattle-area boating enthusiasts. Other series dates this month include June 17, sponsored by Monkey Fist Marine, and June 24, sponsored by CSR Marine. (On August 12, Northwest Yachting will help present the annual Rutten Race, so save the date!)
Another June highlight, the Leukemia Cup Regatta, will be held at the Elliott Bay Marina on Saturday, June 12, to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Those registering will be given a unique fundraising URL with information on how boating crews help a worthy cause. Following the regatta, attendees can enjoy a socially distanced “Red Sky Night” celebration. While participants must be separated on their own respective boats, they can enjoy a floating concert with classic rock from the Kennedy Brothers, a live auction, and a raffle; all proceeds will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since its partnership with the Leukemia Cup Regatta began in 2005, the Downtown Sailing Series has raised more than $1.5 million to help fight the blood-borne disease. At the end of the Sailing Series season, Elliott Bay Marina will hold an awards ceremony that will offer three prizes of one month, two months, and three months of free moorage. The awards will be eligible only for boats that have finished every race, including the Leukemia Cup. Visit downtownsailingseries.com for more details. PHOTO COURTESY OF KARLA CAR
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