Date: August 17, 2024
Time: See Event Schedule
Location: Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and Yacht Basin Marina
The VanderLeek Cup Hospice regatta is an annual tradition. Launched in 2007 as a sailing race to honor the late Paul VanderLeek, this event has grown to become Hospice of Holland’s largest annual fundraiser. The day-long event is divided into three separate activities: the Sailing Race, the Dinghy Poker Run, and the Boat Barn Party.
Sailing Regatta
The day begins with the sailing race, organized by Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. The day begins early with a skippers breakfast before the 11:00am first gun for the four sailing classes. An ice cream social at MBYC follows the racing.
Dinghy Poker Run
The afternoon begins at Yacht Basin Marina with a Dinghy Poker Run, where people can take a dinghy out on Lake Macatawa and pick up poker cards at designated stops to build a full hand. Dinghy teams make 5-6 stops throughout Lake Macatawa’s Big Bay area, receiving a playing card at each stop. The team with the best final poker hand wins. The poker run allows non-sailors to participate in the day’s activities. Participates often appear in wacky costumes and blast other dinghies with water pistols. Registration for the poker run is $20 per dinghy. Free t-shirts are given to the first 50 teams to register.
Boat Barn Party
The most highly attended portion of the day is the boat barn party hosted by Yacht Basin Marina! All are welcome to come for the food and stay for the fun. Festivites begin at 5pm and include a catered dinner, auctions, raffles, drinks and dancing. All proceeds from this event go directly to Hospice of Holland.
Music and entertainment provided by:
