The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta, held January 14-16 at Lake Pleasant, raised $41,000 to support the fight against blood cancers. The Society’s signature sailing event has raised more than $300,000 in Arizona in the last 4 years. “We would especially like to acknowledge the Arizona Yacht Club (AYC), for their commitment over the past 9 years in running a safe and very competitive sailing race for us,” said Jon Meyers, Executive Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Desert Mountain States Chapter. “The need for continued investments in research is critical. More than 900,000 people in the United States are currently living with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and an estimated 55,000 will lose their battle over the coming year.” The chapter holds its sailing fundraiser in conjunction with the AYC, who celebrate their Birthday Regatta over the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend each year.
Fundraising events depend upon the support of the area community, and LLS gratefully acknowledges its 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta sponsors: Arizona Yacht Club, Wolters Kluwer, Protea Medical Center, Phoenix School of Law, ST Microelectronics, Smith Law Group, West Marine, North Sail, SailShop, AGM Technical Solution, Arizona Boating and Water Sports, Mt. Gay Rum, Sailing World, Vineyard Vines, Jobson Sailing, John MeCray, Ken Gardiner, The Heislers, AmeriChoice, United Healthcare, Colligo Marine, Casa Technology Systems and Full Sail Brewery.
The three days of the Regatta proved once again that the wind in Arizona can be great, good and also non-existent, all in the same weekend! Friday, January 14, saw consistent wind all day out of the north to northeast. Saturday, January 15, was a typical Lake Pleasant day with a couple of races off to the north before the midday shift and another race or two off to the south. Sunday was good in the morning, but without a hard and fast shift to the south, fleets checked out around noon. The wind did come back up, but by then the RC had flown the AP/A and everyone was on their way home. A special thank you to Peter Howson for coming out and taking some really great pictures.
Congratulations to all of the event winners:
| Bucc 18 | Maggie Blumm & Dennis Martinelli |
| C-22 | Doug McMillan |
| PHRF – MultiHull | Brad Smith |
| PHRF – Non Spin | Greg Woodcock |
| PHRF – Spin | Al Lehman & Steve Quant |
| Portsmouth | Michael Leon |
| Viper 640 | Juan Mauri |
Congratulations, sailors, and we look forward to another amazing year next year!