Special to The Sun
For the past 50 years, the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta (www.smithregatta.com) has been held at Shell Point Beach for the benefit of the American Cancer Society in memory of Stephen Smith, a local sailor who died from a rare form of leukemia at the age of 29.
This year, April 26-April 28, this home-grown family-friendly event is beginning a second half-century, after setting and exceeding an audacious fundraising goal of $50,000 last year. We raised $60,000! Come sail, watch, eat lunch at the Regatta grill and participate in the Sunday afternoon live auction!
The windsurfing fleet will be competing in multiple races Saturday and a long-distance race Sunday morning. Catamarans and one design day sailors, and small and large (22 feet and over) monohulls will race over their own courses on Saturday. The public is invited to view the races on Saturday and Sunday. Eat your lunch on the beach – food will be available for purchase at the Regatta Grille!
Thousands of dollars’ worth of donated items, from jewelry to sailboats will be auctioned at approximately 2 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to our MANY wonderful supporters and volunteers, over the last 50 years the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta Foundation, Inc. contributed over $560,000 to the ACS, most of which stayed in Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Gadsden, Madison, Taylor and other Big Bend Counties, providing services to our area residents.
Can’t make the Regatta but would still like to help? Then donate directly by going to http://www.smithregatta.com/donate
