A huge thank you to all Team Tartan supporters. We’re super pleased to announce that once again, the cup is yours! Plus we set another fundraising record to boot. Together we raised $35,095.

YOU GUYS ROCK!

Team Tartan #1 in Leukemia Cup Fundraising, Thanks to our Donors!

Team Tartan #1 in Leukemia Cup Fundraising, Thanks to our Donors!

Special thanks to Phil Venables who this year donated an astounding $20,000 to our team. Also thanks to Mason Brown and Linda Cancro who each donated $1000.

Here is the story of the day of racing.

It began bright and early. Way early. Rebecca in the morning.

It began bright and early. Way early. Rebecca in the morning.

We were planning to race Skirmish again this year, but Sunday night we discovered that the jib stay was broken. A quick repair ensued, but we were afraid it would not hold under racing conditions. So we reluctantly switched to Rebecca. It’s not a bad boat (in fact we won first place in it two years ago), but we practiced on Skirmish and were better prepared to sail a lighter boat.

The Team Tartan Crew

The Team Tartan Crew

Our crew this year included Eli. Nothing like a 17 year old to round things out in the energy department. Racing is a tiring business—especially for the grinders. After a day on the water, we all come back bruised, soaked with sweat, and bone tired. Then it’s time for the party.

We were outsailed this year by our nemesis Captain Bill. He bulleted three times, though the last race was extremely close (we lost in the last few seconds). We were just plain beat. Another boat’s handicap put it ahead of us in standings even though we beat it across the finish line consistently. Captain Chris led the first two races. Esther captained the third.

Dang. So we’re slipping from first in 2012 to second in 2013 to third in 2014. Better practice, huh?

Third place in our racing class

Third place in our racing class

But we did raise the most money and bring the cup home!!

And so on to the party where we celebrated our first place fundraising by winning the Leukemia Cup.

Team Tartan after a long day of sailing

Team Tartan after a long day of sailing

Sailors celebrating for a good cause

Sailors celebrating for a good cause

Next year, we’ll add another burgee to the mast for 2014! Thanks again for your incredible support this year everyone. We’re proud to sail for you all.

Burgees on the shroud

Burgees on the shroud