Set Sail with the 13th Annual Children’s Cup Regatta at Fairhope Yacht Club

Fairhope, Ala. (May 20, 2024) —The annual Children’s Cup Regatta, a family-friendly event supporting patients from the Alabama Gulf Coast, who receive care at Children’s of Alabama, is set to unfold on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Fairhope Yacht Club, located at 1010 Volanta Avenue. This event fosters a sense of community and care, welcoming all sailing enthusiasts and friends from Mobile and Baldwin counties.

In honor of Katie Hamlin of Fairhope, the "Katie’s Cup Youth Regatta" provides young sailors an opportunity to participate. Katie's journey began when she was diagnosed with a possible staph infection in May 2009. After falling sick a few weeks later, she was induced into a coma and put on a ventilator. Following a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome, she was transferred to Children’s of Alabama. After seven months of treatment, Katie was able to return home and is now a walking, talking miracle.

 The kids’ activity area, known as “Al’s Activity Area” in honor of local Children’s patient Al Guarisco, opens at 4 p.m. and features a slide, arts and crafts, games, and the Rain Gutter Regatta.

 As a family-friendly event, the Regatta invites guests to immerse themselves in an array of activities for all ages. Goers can anticipate exciting races beginning at 12:30 p.m., with admission being free of charge starting at noon. Throughout the afternoon, a variety of engaging activities await, including bidding on silent auction items, enjoying the kids’ activity area, and live music.

For those interested in water activities, the Cruisers Crawl provides an opportunity to take boats out on the water. Registration opens at 4 p.m. and costs $50 per boat for all classes.

Out-of-town sailors and non-yacht club members are welcome to participate. Boats can be parked at Fairhope Yacht Club overnight. The entry fee for Portsmouth, Rhodes 19, and Catalina 22 is $50 per boat. The Youth Class entry fee is $25 per boat. All entry fees are tax deductible.

The event extends an invitation to Children’s of Alabama patients and their families, offering them an opportunity to witness the sailing action up close. A few boats will be available to take former patients out to watch the sailing action up close.

For more information or to register online, visit bit.ly/4dFNgbI or call Kerrie Benson at (251) 610-4969.  Event updates will be posted regularly to https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensCupRegatta. Day-of registration is available from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Fairhope Yacht Club.