Sail for Hope Organizers Announce Charities to Benefit from Annual Regatta Fundraiser

NEWPORT, RI (August 18, 2025) – The annual Sail for Hope race around Jamestown on Saturday, September 27, will raise funds for three nonprofit organizations, including Warrior Sailing, Better Bay Alliance, and Sail Newport. Racing classes will include PHRF spinnaker and non-spinnaker, Sail Newport J/22 One-Design, and Multihull.

Warrior Sailing teaches wounded, ill, and injured veterans the sport of sailing and sailboat racng. The program encourages participants in technical, social and job skill development through leadership, teamwork, and self-reliance

“We are honored to be part of the Sail for Hope Regatta, joining an incredible community on the water while raising awareness for our mission. Getting military service members on the water provides powerful physical, mental, and emotional benefits, helping them cope with the long-term effects of PTSD, brain injury, amputation, paralysis, and more, all while learning a new skill. We’re grateful to be a benefiting charity and can’t wait to set sail for both competition and a cause,” says Cory Kapes, Warrior Sailing Operations Director.

The Better Bay Alliance (BBA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the boating experience and safety on Rhode Island waters through the introduction of the new digital Live Chart and seminars.  Live Chart is a mobile-friendly interactive “map” of RI waters that illustrates more than 400 local events over the boating season in graphical form. 

“Live Chart is free to the public and is a tool for any mariner to avoid congested areas and assist in safe boating on Narragansett Bay,” says Dave Lussier, president of BBA. 

For over forty years, Sail Newport’s mission has been to provide the community with access to sailing through affordable programs, sailboat rentals, instruction, regattas, sailing center services, and events. 

“One of the ways Sail Newport removes barriers to participation in the sport of sailing is by providing financial aid to sailors who might otherwise be unable to participate. Donations from Sail for Hope will help Sail Newport’s program of financial assistance for families,” says Brad Read, Sail Newport executive director. 

The event is open to sailboats 22′ and larger. Powerboats are also invited to join the flotilla around Conanicut Island. The organizers’ goals are to showcase the marine community’s patriotism and to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. Boats that don’t usually race are also encouraged to join the around-the-island course. Sail Newport will assign a rating number for boats that do not have a Narragansett Bay PHRF rating. 

After racing, sailors and guests attend a fundraising social at the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. Class awards and the trophy for the top fundraising boat will be presented. Boats are required to register at the link below. Also, donations can be made to one, two, or all three charitable organizations through the website.

To register or make a donation, visit sailnewport.org/calendar/25-sail-for-hope/