LANCASTER––The area’s largest sailing regatta, the largest of the U.S. Hospice Regattas, plans to return in its traditional three-day format, from October 1-3, on the Rappahannock River.
A decision will be made by the committee shortly based in part on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local guidance.
This popular event in Irvington, at times fielding up to 140 of the most beautiful classic design monohulls on the bay, will be based at Rappahannock Yachts on Carter Creek and will be co-hosted by the Rappahannock River Yacht Club and the Yankee Point Racing and Sailing Club on Myers Creek.
Details will be posted at www.turkeyshoot.org or Yachtscoring.com.
According to Tom Chapman and George Bott, event co-chairmen, the regatta is open to mono-hulls 18 feet plus, with a design over 20 years old.
At present there will be a welcoming party October 1, followed by two days of racing on the Rappahannock.
On October 2, the various fleets grouped by ratings will race a traditional triangular course and on October 3, the same entrants will compete in a Pursuit Race, which allows handicaps to factor in the starting sequence—like the slowest starts first. A full sit-down dinner is in planning for Saturday evening and awards will be announced Sunday afternoon.
The top award is the Virginia Spirit Trophy for the overall winner. The John and Carole Jean McConnico Yacht Club Trophy will be awarded for the yacht club or marina having at least three entries and the lowest combined score.
Any entry can win the Most Beautiful Boat award selected from all boats in the race, based on the boat, sails and boat handling by skipper and crew.
Now in its 26th year of cooperation with, and in support of, Hospice Support Services of the Northern Neck and Riverside Hospice Agencies, the regatta has become an important fund-raising cornerstone in the community and is a combined effort of many local volunteers and businesses.
Volunteers are welcome, go to www.turkeyshoot.org.
