Twelve luxury motor yachts — all between 40 and 50 feet — will launch from Sag Harbor, assemble as a Fleet, and cruise to Shelter Island and back as part of a charity fundraiser called “Boaters Against Cancer,” on Saturday, May 22, at 5 PM.
For 19 years, Fighting Chance has had an office in Sag Harbor, providing free emotional support counseling to East End cancer patients. In 2019 the charity opened up a second office provided (rent-free) at the Phillips Family Cancer Center in Southampton.
Most of the yachts in the fleet will take on four guests and some will accommodate six guests — with plenty of room for social distancing. All the yachts have spacious cockpits and foredecks so that Boaters Against Cancer will be an outdoor event. Guests will enjoy a steady, gentle breeze, as yachts cruise along at six knots or more. Refreshments will be served.
Jim Larocca, a member of the organizing committee, who is also a village trustee, said, “I’m in the fleet with my own 39 ft vessel, supporting the valuable services of Fighting Chance and participating in this celebration of Sag Harbor’s dazzling waterfront. This is the way our village rallies to help citizens gripped by tragic events like cancer.”
Other members of the event leadership include Joe Ialacci, Bruce Tait, Tim Davis, Stu Schoener, Charlie Canavan, Brian Brady, Roman Roth, and Ray Smith. Financial sponsors of the event — each making a sizable donation and assisting with publicity are the yacht brokers and local marinas, including Yacht Hampton/Joe Ialacci (Lead Sponsor), Port of Egypt Marine (Major Sponsor), Mill Creek Marina, Brick Cove Marina, Ship Ashore Marina, Tait Yacht Charters, and Sag Harbor Yacht Yard.
A $250 donation will reserve a space on one of the yachts, and proceeds will benefit Fighting Chance. To reserve, visit www.fightingchance.org/events.