An strong afternoon wind helped kick off the 4th Annual Village Cup Regatta on Saturday afternoon when over 25 sailboats took to the Long Island Sound to raise money for pancreatic cancer and to see who would come out on top for this year's race; Port Jefferson Village or Mather Hospital.
This annual fundraiser is a friendly, yet competitive, sailboat race officiated by the Setauket Yacht Club. Club members volunteer to be captains and first mates donating their boats and expertise. The volunteer sailors from Village and Mather Hospital help crew boats that are divided into two fleets.
For Jeff Hausner, captain of the Capricorn, it was a day for racing and remembrance.
"This boat was owned by my father, one of the Commodore's who died of pancreatic cancer," said Hausner, whose father William C. Hausner passed away in 2007.
"He was one of two members who passed away from pancreatic cancer and to the club decided to start a yearly event. Being on the water lifted his spirits."
Hausner said the fundraising event is unique in that it is not a 5K or walk, but day on the water, fit for a waterfront town like Port Jefferson.
Chase boats brought out spectators into the Sound for a close up look at the race. Kevin Broderick and his daughter Meghan were one of the boats sent out to observe the race.
"Today's wind should make for a quick race," said Broderick, who has been helping out with the event for the past few years.
The wind eventually died down, making what Hausner called a "more tactical race."
"A lot of boats missed the mark due to the tide," said Hausner. "Seasoned racers knew where to be."
Check back with Patch later for more on the race winners and cup presentation.
A special thanks to Kevin and Meghan Broderick who graciously hosted this editor on the water for the day.
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