President's Letter
Dear Skippers, Crews, Families, Friends and Visitors to the Vineyard,
Welcome to the 2012 Vineyard Cup! On behalf of the over five hundred children most of whom are Island children who participate in Sail Martha’s Vineyard’s programs every year at little or no cost, it is with a great sense of excitement and expectation that I welcome all of you to this Sail Martha’s Vineyard’s sixth Vineyard Cup. It is only because of the generous support we receive from so many of you that we are able to provide the range and quality of programs that we do. Thank you!
This year the Vineyard Cup will run from July 13th through 15th and we are expecting over 100 boats and crews from as far away as the Chesapeake and Florida. Entries will range from 18 foot catboats, to wooden schooners, to modern cruisers and racers. The action on the water and ashore will be fierce. If you don’t have a boat or haven’t signed up to view the racing on Vineyard Haven’s tall ship Alabama, you can still catch sight of the fleets from a variety of vantage points which are listed under “Where Can I Watch the Racing?” at www.vineyardcup.com. My favorite vantage point is the East Chop lighthouse where you can catch the boats just after the start each day and as they are coming in to the finish line. Many of the courses have the boats passing right below the lighthouse. Pack a picnic! Spread your blanket on the lighthouse lawn! And enjoy a magnificent Vineyard summer scene. It’s always quite a sight!
Since our founding in 1992 almost three thousand children that have been exposed to sea and been taught to be safe on the water, to row, to sail, to compete and most importantly to have fun doing what Island children should do…to mess around on our beaches and in boats. The economics of providing the opportunities we do are challenging. The Vineyard Cup was created six years ago to help support the many year round programs we offer. Thanks to the extraordinary line-up of sponsors who underwrite the cost of the event, every dime that is spent on entries or after racing party bracelets goes straight to underwriting our offerings.
Once again all of the shore-side events will be held under the tents on Beach Road extension right by the Black Dog Tavern. This year we are planning something very special for Saturday night right after the party…a free concert by a band that you’ll all recognize. Stay tuned to our website for the announcement of who will be playing. You won’t be disappointed.
If I don’t see you on the water, I hope I’ll see you at least one of the parties or the concert on Saturday night. The Vineyard Cup…YA GOTTA REGATTA!
Sincerely,
Peggy Schwier, President
