All aboard for a good cause at Surf and Turf Regatta this weekend

Organizers are hoping as many as 50 boats will be at Hamilton Harbour this weekend to raise money for the Jumpstart program.

The second annual Surf and Turf Regatta will be held at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club this Saturday, June 17 at 1 p.m. when boats are given first warning. Last year’s initial regatta raised more than $50,000 with the goal this year increasing to $75,000.

“Once you’re up to that range it would be one of the larger fundraisers for Jumpstart,” said Brad Gibson, manager of Burlington's Fairvew Street Canadian Tire.

Jumpstart provides funds for kids whose families can’t afford the cost of sports or recreation equipment or registration fees. Canadian Tire Corporation covers all of Jumpstart's general and administrative expenses, so 100 per cent of all donations help kids access sport and play. Since 2005, it has disbursed more than $225 million.

“Just about any sport or basically any kind of physical activity is covered,” said Gibson, the Jumpstart chair for the Burlington chapter. “I see where the money goes. I’ve been involved in deciding what programs get supported and what amount.”

The credit for starting the Surf and Turf Regatta fundraiser goes to Chris McCormack, a manager at PartSource (owned by Canadian Tire) in Hamilton. He was involved in a fundraising regatta for a different charity until the pandemic halted that endeavour.

As an employee of CTC through PartSource, his suggestion to revive the fundraiser with proceeds going to Jumpstart was well received. The initial goal was $12,000. Shortly thereafter, the figure rose to $20,000.

Following the event, Jumpstart was presented a cheque for $50,869.

The race this weekend is a pursuit race, with all types of sailboats taking part, from lasers to 45-footers. The boats are rated for size and weight to make it fair for all participants. The slowest boats would start first and the fastest, last.

“Theoretically, the slowest boat and the fastest boat should finish at the same time,” said Gibson.

What conspires to thwart a 50-way tie for first place, of course, is the skill and strategy of each sailor, all attempting to out-maneuver one another in constantly changing winds, waves and weather.

“The only things that will stop the race is absolutely no wind, or lightning,” said McCormack.

Gibson’s Fairview team will enter a 37-foot boat owned by a friend.

“We’ve rebranded it Canadian Tire Burlington,” said Gibson. "We raise funds in our store for that boat and the event in general.”

Gibson’s crew finished second in fundraising at the 2022 Surf and Turf and is aiming to be No. 1 when the money is counted after this weekend.

A typical race last about two hours. There are activities planned during the day at RHHC, including games on the lawn, dragon boat demonstration,
dinner and anawards ceremony with a live band on hand.

Last year’s event also featured running events, which McCormack hopes to bring back next year.

“There’s very little overhead cost — it’s all volunteer run,” added Gibson.

Last year’s race winner was Clarke Perry and his boat Perry*eh, while the boat that raised the most money was Polaris skippered by Richard Woods,
at $3,125.

The regatta is one of hundreds of events held across the country each year for Jumpstart, especially in June, which has been designated Jumpstart
month.

It’s easy to sponsor a boat or direct funds to Jumpstart. Visit  online for event info and sponsors.