How US Sailing Members can get Involved in the Leukemia Cup

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Leukemia Cup Regatta is a thrilling series of sailing events that combines the joy of sailing with the important task of raising money to cure cancer. Since its inception in 1988, the Leukemia Cup Regatta has raised over $54 million to fund lifesaving research and patient services, bringing help and hope to patients and their families. Learn more about the latest research successes funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.   

2015 Leukemia Cup Regatta Fantasy Sail with Gary Jobson,
Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
Photo credit: Lettie Roman

Sailing legend and past US Sailing President Gary Jobson became the national chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regatta series in 1993. Gary’s involvement took a personal turn in 2003 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. “Prior to 2003, I didn’t have a personal connection to blood cancers and never thought I would end up being a beneficiary of the research and treatment advances funded in part by Leukemia Cup Regatta participants,” Jobson said.

At events held at yacht clubs across North America, skippers register their boats and recruit friends and colleagues to help crew and to raise funds. Crew members seek donations from friends, family, co-workers and employers to sponsor their boat. National and local event sponsors also support the Leukemia Cup Regatta, and organizations like US Sailing, Sail America and the National Marine & Manufacturers Association have been involved with various Leukemia Cup activities.   

The Leukemia Cup Regatta has recently joined forces with the US Sailing MVP program.  Regatta participants that join or renew their US Sailing membership through the Leukemia Cup Regatta not only receive a discounted membership rate, but more importantly a portion of the membership dues is donated directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society when members join through the MVP program. “The US Sailing and Leukemia Cup partnership is a winner all around,” Jobson said. “It encourages sailors and non-sailors to get out on the water and have fun at their local sailing clubs or venues, all while helping to raise vital funds to accelerate cancer cures.”   

Your club and fellow club members can get involved in the following ways:

• Host a Leukemia Cup Regatta at your location or encourage your members to register and raise funds at a Leukemia Cup event in your area. There are exciting incentives for fundraising participants, including the opportunity to sail with Gary Jobson, and it’s a great way to build excitement and buzz at your club, as well as getting multiple generations of sailors involved.
• Encourage your crew members to join you on the sail and on the fundraising journey. When strides are made against cancer, everyone wins!
• If you can’t sail the weekend of the event in your area, you can still raise funds as a virtual sailor.
• Make a donation to support the participation of your favorite sailor or in honor of Gary Jobson and the many sailors and families who are on the front lines of the cancer battle.
• Join or renew your US Sailing membership through the Leukemia Cup Regatta MVP Program and a portion of your membership dues will be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For more information regarding the Leukemia Cup Regatta, visit www.leukemiacup.org or contact Marty Siederer at 732-390-5579 or marty.siederer@lls.org

For information on the US MVP Program, visit www.ussailing.org/membership/mvp/ or contact Robin Dale at 401-683-0800 or membership@ussailing.org