The Hospice Regatta, the Rochester area's original charity sailing race, will be held on Saturday, August 25, hosted by the Rochester Yacht Club (RYC), 5555 St. Paul Blvd. in Irondequoit.

The event is a fund-raiser for the Hospice services of Genesee Region Home Care (GRHC).

"This is really a great occasion," said Hank Stuart, the RYC member who chairs the Regatta steering committee. "I'm happy to be part of an event when sailing gives back to the community by raising money for a good cause."

GRHC's Hospice helps families care for loved ones who are terminally ill. Funds raised at the Regatta assure that excellent end-of-life care is available based on what patients and families need, not on what they can pay or whether they have health insurance coverage.

The Regatta gets underway at 10 a.m. on August 25 with racing for three fleets of sailboats on separate courses: Spinnaker, Genoa-only, and Ideal 18. The overall winner of Rochester's regatta earns an invitation to the National Hospice Cup championship, the only national sailing competition in the U.S. held as a benefit for a charity.

After the races, Tony Infantino of WARM radio will emcee a Party by the Shore for Hospice at RYC. The party features live music by two local bands, a barbecue dinner, beverages, and raffles to benefit Hospice. Awards to winning skippers from each fleet will be presented at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets to the Hospice Regatta are $25 for the party, $30 for the cruise and the party. For information on tickets or race registration, call 214-1575 or go to GRHC's website, www.grhc.com.