Birmingham Sailing Club regatta to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

When 25 sailboats set sail on the magnificent waters Logan Martin Lake on Saturday September 18, they will “sail with a goal”.

While the members of the Birmingham Sailing Club enjoy getting together for a day of fun on the lake, the reason behind the annual regatta is to help fund quality research by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and to support families struggling with deadly blood cancers.

None of the sailboats are motorized. “We hope there will be enough wind to run,” said Commodore Wayne Bucher of the Birmingham Sailing Club, who sailed for about six years. “This event attracts serious runners, of course, but it’s also fun for those who are not so serious.” Many club members have sailed and raced for several decades, while others have played the sport their entire lives.

Members of the Birmingham Sailing Club run 12 months a year, weather permitting.

“The concept of a regatta in support of LLS started here on Lake Logan Martin,” said Bucher, who enjoys stand-up paddling and rowing from his lakefront home.

“It’s a chance to get out there and enjoy a few hours on the lake,” said Bucher, who owns a 19-foot-long non-motorized vehicle. Flying scottish filthy and a Catalina 22, which has a small outboard motor, for use when the winds are too light. “There are competitions for several different boat classes. It gives you the right to brag.

With its panoramic views and deep blue waters, Lake Logan Martin is the perfect location for the annual competition. Many members of the Birmingham Sailing Club come to support the event and donate to LLS. Competitors are encouraged to “round up” the entry fee of $ 65, as all funds go to LLS.

“We have had a few members who have had leukemia – no one is immune to being affected by this,” Bucher said. “LLS is a worthy charity. “

After the COVID-19 hit, the LLS on April 1, 2019 created a financial aid program that has supported around 500 cancer patients. The company responded to urgent needs such as transportation, accommodation costs and food at a critical time.

The annual regatta has enjoyed the continued support of the community of Logan Martin Lake. Historically, the Birmingham Sailing Club has raised a substantial amount for LLS over the past 34 years, donating $ 30,000 from the regatta in some years. With the COVID-19 pandemic underway, however, this year’s regatta will be low key. The event typically features live and silent auctions and a formal dinner; this year, members will have lunch on the terrace of the sailing club.

“Sailboat racing is one of the safest things you can do when it comes to social distancing. So this year, instead of a catered dinner, it’s a hot dog barbecue at outside, “said Bucher with a chuckle.” It doesn’t matter. Some of the teams competing are married couples and family members. We are a diverse and interesting group of people who love lakefront life Some people are second and third generation members of the club.

Bucher learned to sail at the Birmingham Sailing Club, largely by teaming up for others. The club offers sailing lessons twice a year, which include classroom lessons, boat rigging and sessions on the water at Logan Martin Lake. The training on the water is practical and conducted by experienced skippers. Click here for more information.

“We want everyone to enjoy the fun on the water,” said Bucher. “Running is a great way to gain experience in varying winds and traffic. And the winds on this lake tend to change back and forth and at speed, which adds to the challenges. “

(Courtesy of Alabama News Center)