Sound Experience will be hosting a brand-new sailing race this year in September to replace the nonprofit’s annual fundraising gala. 

The race will take place Sunday, Sept. 20 in Seattle’s Shilshole Bay. Registration opens July 6. Participants can put together a physical crew to race or participate virtually. 

“During a year in which COVID-19 has changed all of our paradigms, we are creating an event with both real and virtual components that will be exciting and meaningful to all participants, those who sail in person and those who participate from miles away,” said Rusty Lhamon, a board member for Sound Experience and the race chairman.

The event is a celebration of the marine environment and aims to raise funds to continue operation and programming on the historic tall ship, the Adventuress. 

The Adventuress’ programs reach more than a thousand children and teens yearly who climb aboard for day or overnight programs in maritime skills, environmental stewardship, resilience and connection to each other and the natural world.

“The one thing we hear most from kids at the end of a program is, ‘I would never have been friends with them if we hadn’t sailed together,’” said Catherine Collins, executive director of Sound Experience. 

All activities will follow safety guidelines and procedures from the Washington State Department of Health and will not include land-based events. 

Learn more and watch for updates at www.soundexp.org/AdventuressCup.