WILSON — The Tuscarora Yacht Club hosted the fourth annual “Natasha’s Cup” regatta this past weekend to raise money for melanoma research and prevention. More than 45 boats registered from local harbors to support three racing divisions.
“Offering three fleet divisions enables anyone with a sailboat the opportunity to participate,” said main organizer Peter Hubbell, who’s a board member of the TashaStrong Foundation. “Skippers who don’t regularly race often enjoy supporting a good cause while testing their skills in a fun, competitive environment.”
Natasha’s Cup is named in memory of Natasha Hubbell Cassick, who lost her battle with melanoma at age 31. Natasha’s family and friends launched the TashaStrong Foundation to support education and research of skin cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States — and, the foundation says, the most preventable, through sun safety awareness.
This year’s regatta raised more than $7,000, according to Lisa Stephens.
“Terrapin” skippered by Charlie Palame won the spinnaker division, followed by “ConspiraSea” skippered by Brent Powley, and “Switch” taking third place with Andy Sharp at the helm.
“Audacity” skippered by Todd Fetzer won the Main and Jib division, followed by “Patriot” skippered by Dale Myers, and Roger Maddigan’s “Wind Rover” in third place.
In the “Cruiser” division, which offers sailors who normally focus on day-sailing and visits to Lake Ontario harbors a chance to participate, “Cracklin’ Rose” won a decisive victory with Tom Beilein from the Olcott Yacht Club as skipper. “Wetter Willie” skippered by Brian Burhans took second place, and Michael Algase’s “Tranquilizer” came in third place.
In addition to the annual regatta, the TashaStrong Foundation hosts an annual golf tournament and participates in the annual “11 Day Power Play” at Key Bank Center. It’s all in support of cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and The Melanoma Research Foundation, in addition to community programs to raise prevention awareness.
To donate and/or learn more about sun safety, visit www.tashastrong.org.