CORRECTED: Reach and Row for Hospice set for Sept. 16, Sept. 23

By Michael Dashiell • September 13, 2023 1:30 am
Photo by Mary and Kip Tulin Robbie Niclas and grandson William, 5, both of Sequim, use a canoe Niclas built in the 5-kilometer course for rowers and paddlers as part of Reach and Row for Hospice in 2022.
Photo by Mary and Kip Tulin Robbie Niclas and grandson William, 5, both of Sequim, use a canoe Niclas built in the 5-kilometer course for rowers and paddlers as part of Reach and Row for Hospice in 2022.

By paddle power or wind, competitors are gearing up once again for some friendly competition and to support the Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s annual fundraiser.

The Reach and Row for Hospice is back again for a weekend full of watersports activities, with rowers hitting the water for races from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. Sailboat captains lead their crews for racing the following Saturday, Sept. 23, with races starting at about noon and concluding by about 4 p.m.

As in past years, the Reach and Row raises funds for respite care for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) — a nonprofit, provides compassionate care to the terminally ill, their caregivers and their families. The organization also runs a lending closet, supplying medical equipment to its patients and the community at large.

It offers community education and grief and bereavement programs to anyone who has lost a loved one.

The 2022 races raised $28,240.74 for VHOCC, and helped the nonprofit provide an estimated 1,828 hours of relief, grief and spiritual care.

Photo by Fran Reisner Thompson / From left, Denali (skippered by Bob BacCauley), Pinafore (skippered by Bernie Armstrong) and Sirius (skippered by Durkee Richards) compete in the Reach and Row for Hospice on Sequim Bay in 2022.

Photo by Fran Reisner Thompson / From left, Denali (skippered by Bob BacCauley), Pinafore (skippered by Bernie Armstrong) and Sirius (skippered by Durkee Richards) compete in the Reach and Row for Hospice on Sequim Bay in 2022.

Since 1991 the fundraiser has supported VHOCC to the tune of $486,905.

The community is welcome to come to view the races at several viewing points at John Wayne Marina, 2577 W. Sequim Bay Road, on race days.

Lynn Hawkins, who joined the yacht club last May and helps promote the race and fundraiser.

“I wanted to be more socially involved,” she said of joining the club. “I like donating and volunteering.”

Those wishing to make a contribution by mail can send their tax-deductible donations to: VHOCC 829 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles WA 98362; write “Reach and Row for Hospice” in the subject line.

Initially established in 1991 as a sailboat race, Reach and Row in 2018 was expanded to include a 10-kilometer, open water competition in Sequim Bay for anyone with an oar or paddle, including rowers, kayakers, canoers and paddleboarders.

For more about the event, contact Hawkins at lynnhawkins888@gmail.com. Or, visit sequimbayyacht.club and click on “Hospice Fundraiser” tab.

For more about Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, visit vhocc.org.