Now in its eighth year, the Avow Hospice Regatta will sail Saturday, January 28 in the Gulf of Mexico near the Naples Pier. The event, a member of the National Hospice Regatta Alliance (NHRA), is held each winter to raise awareness of hospice care and funds for Avow Hospice. All NHRA members operate independently with a shared goal of raising public awareness and funds for hospices nationwide. The winning skipper and crew will represent Avow Hospice in the 2012 Hospice Regattas National Championship.

“Top sailors from hospice regattas across the country compete to advance the charitable work of hospices throughout America,” said Karen Rollins, president and CEO of Avow Hospice, “We’re fortunate to live in an area where this event is possible, and we’re proud that a local sailing team will represent their hometown in the national championship.”

The 2011 regatta drew 17 boats. The winning skipper and crew, Steve Romaine and his boat Air Supply, will participate in the 2011 National Hospice Regattas Alliance Championship Races scheduled for April 20-22, 2012 in St. Petersburg, FL.

The regatta will begin with a memorial ring ceremony at 9:30am, followed by the race at 10:00am. Immediately following, a shore party featuring awards ceremony, cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and entertainment will be held at Ispiri, the community center located on the Avow Hospice campus, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples.

Spectator boat passage is available, and includes lunch and memorial ring ceremony participation. Advance registration is recommended. Facebook RSVP is not considered a registration. For race registration, ticket information, reservations and details, contact Chairwoman Bonnie Dinger, (239) 649-3686, bdinger@avowhospice.org.

At a Glance: 8th Annual Avow Hospice Regatta
Memorial Ring Ceremony 9:30 AM • Race 10:00 AM, in the Gulf of Mexico near the Naples Pier

Shore Party
Ispiri community center (on the Avow Hospice campus) 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples 34105
Cocktails 5:30 PM
Dinner 6:30 PM, followed by music, silent auction and awards ceremony

Tickets (per person)

For race registration pricing, contact Bonnie Dinger at (239) 649-3686.

Spectator boat passage: $50
Shore party: $100
Combination spectator boat/shore party: $125