July 11, 2009 is a date not to be missed. This day will be The Regatta for the Cure, the first ever sail boat race for breast cancer in Atlantic Canada taking place at Shearwater Yacht Club (SYC). Mark this down in your organizers, calendars and blackberries.

 

 My name is Amanda (AJ) Quarmby-Bennett. I have been racing out of SYC since 2000, on various boats with the last few years being on Aspire 2. Originally we stared as an all women's team who began sporting bright pink t-shirts. Naturally we were nick named the ‘Pink Ladies’.

 

Over coffee this summer I suggested to two of my team mates Marlene Quarmby and Marie-Lise Dagenais that the Pink Ladies should do a race for breast cancer. I never would have thought that a simple statement would grow into something this big.

 

After thinking about this idea for a few days I approached the Rear Commodore to get the clubs blessing and then to the executive members who gave their approval. All that was left was getting the must needed endorsement from the Atlantic Breast Cancer Foundation to mold this dream into reality. The Atlantic Breast Cancer Foundation took no time to come on board with this new fundraiser.

 

It gives me great pleasure to invite you all to participate in this day of celebration. All boats are welcome to participate in this one day regatta. Each boat that wishes to take part in the race will be given pledge sheets for their crew members to raise money. The Breast Cancer Foundation will be taking the pledges and the race committee will register your boat. Following the race there will be a meet and greet BBQ with breast cancer survivors and a dance with a live band. Prizes and trophies will be given out for place finishes and best themed boats.

 

If you are interested racing in the regatta, volunteering or would like more information feel free to contact me at ajq@eastlink.ca, or 444-8099. You can also go on the Atlantic Breast Cancer Foundations web site www.cbcf.org/atlantic for information.

 

Let us together paint Halifax’s harbor pink and soar over the waves.

 

Amanda (AJ) Quarmby-Bennett

Event Coordinator

902-444-8099

ajq@eastlink.ca