David Schmidt- USA Sail-World Editor had a wonderful experience recently sailing a J/44 in the Seattle Leukemia Cup. Here's what he had to say about it- "Sailing is just sailing, right? A wonderful, adventure-orientated pastime perhaps, but a pastime nonetheless. But this past Saturday's Leukemia Cup Regatta, held out of Seattle's Elliot Bay Marina, reminded me that sailing can also generate a greater good. Racing aboard IMAGINE, Lisa and Rusty Hill's well-rigged J/44, provided a firsthand look at one way that sailors can contribute and have fun doing it. Admittedly, we were enjoying steady breezes, bluebird skies and a sweeping panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains, but our fleet of several dozen boats was also helping to generate money for an excellent cause.
And the positive vibrations didn't stop there. A glance around the fleet revealed families and friends out 'racing' together (it was casual competition at best, with the emphasis on participation and good times), with everybody getting chances at the helm, everybody getting chances to learn and to have fun. Aboard Imagine, complete novices had an opportunity to experience sailing/racing under ideal conditions, in a positive, nurturing environment. Big smiles were enjoyed by all —great proof that sailing can be more than a mere addiction, er, 'pastime'. Fair winds and following seas, David Schmidt"