Port Jeff Regatta to Benefit Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

On Saturday, sailors from the Port Jefferson area will compete in the 2nd Annual Village Cup Regatta to raise money for the fight against pancreatic cancer. The event, which will take place just outside of Port Jefferson Harbor in the Long Island Sound, benefits both research and treatment of the disease. Everything is set to kick off at 1 p.m., when the first wave of sailboats will take off and begin the competition.

Twenty boats in all will take part in the sailing race, each of which will be divided up by boat size. Together, boats will comprise two sides of the friendly rivalry between sailing teams representing and the village of Port Jefferson. No matter the outcome, the charities will surely benefit from the event.

Last year, in the inaugural year of the Village Cup Regatta, over $35,000 was raised, a total that Regatta Planning Committee member John Lane believes can be reached again this year.

"We've had many sponsorships and donations, and this year looks like it is going to be another big success," said Lane. 

Net proceeds from the Regatta will be divided evenly between pancreatic cancer treatment at Mather Hospital and the Lustgarten Foundation, which has a primary focus of funding pancreatic cancer research. While a great deal of money has been raised already, there are still ways that interested community members can help out.

Commemorative pins are available for purchase at many businesses throughout the Port Jefferson area as well as the Mather Hospital Gift Shop. The pins will commemorate the 2011 Village Cup Regatta, and are being printed as a limited edition item. Proceeds from their sales will also go towards treatment and research for pancreatic cancer.

The event represents a partnership between the , the village of Port Jefferson and the Port Jefferson Conservancy. The Yacht Club itself has had members afflicted with pancreatic cancer over the years, and as such, this is a cause that its members feel strongly about.

"It's about the community coming together to fight [the disease]," Lane explained. "The Hospital, Village, Yacht Club, and residents are all a part of the event."

After the race is completed, a reception is scheduled to take place at the . Attendees of the reception can expect donated food and drinks, along with music and the presentation of checks to the charities. Local officials are also likely to be there for the celebration.

Interested community members can purchase tickets to the reception at a cost of $50 per person. General donations are also accepted in any denomination, each of which goes towards the cause and helps fight the disease.

"If pancreatic cancer has impacted your life in some way, we encourage you to support the cause in any way you can," stated Lane.

For more information, please visit the following sites on the web:
setauketyc.com, matherhospital.com, lustgarten.org, portjeff.com/village-info/partnerships.