Pink Sails on the Halifax: 4th Annual Pink Ribbon Regatta

By Kathi Porter, Windward Women, Halifax Sailing Association

On November 15, the Halifax River was dotted with pink as Halifax Sailing Association’s Windward Women hosted the 4th Annual Pink Ribbon Regatta in Daytona Beach. What began just a few years ago as a small idea to combine sailing and service has grown into a full-day celebration of racing, community, and support for local breast cancer patients.

This year’s regatta brought together more than 30 sailors ranging in age from 7 to 88, representing clubs from across Florida. Optis, Aeros, Sunfish, Wetas, and PHRF boats all shared the water, with youth fleets launching from the beach while the adult classes headed downriver. The scene at the club ramp was busy but cheerful, helped along by a “valet dolly” crew of volunteers who kept boats moving smoothly to and from the water.

On the racecourse, conditions offered a fun mix of challenge and opportunity. Younger sailors focused on boat handling and confidence close to shore, while the downriver fleets stretched their legs on longer legs along the Intracoastal. At the end of the day, trophies were awarded across fleets, including handcrafted model sailboats that quickly became coveted keepsakes. Every female competitor was also presented with a pink orchid in honor of the cause and the many women and families touched by breast cancer.

A regatta with a purpose

While the on-water action drew plenty of smiles, the heart of the Pink Ribbon Regatta has always been its mission. Proceeds from the event support two local partners:

●      Halifax Health Foundation’s Charles L. and Miki N. Grant Cancer Center for Hope, specifically its patient assistance program, which helps cover practical needs like transportation, medication, and other support for patients in treatment.

●      Heart Strings Breast Care Boutique in New Smyrna Beach, which provides professional undergarment fittings and supplies to uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors.

Thanks to the generosity of sailors, sponsors, and the wider community, this year’s Pink Ribbon Regatta raised $3270 for the Halifax Health Foundation’s Charles L. and Miki N. Grant Cancer Center for Hope patient assistance program and $1820 for Heart Strings Breast Care Boutique in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

“Boob-tique,” tacos, and community

On shore, fundraising and fellowship were in full swing. The “Boob-tique” offered a playful nod to the event’s cause, with pink-themed items and sailing-related goodies available by donation. Silent auction tables and sponsor contributions rounded out the fundraising efforts, creating a steady hum of activity between races.

Midday, sailors and supporters gathered for a “Tacos for Tatas” buffet, complete with live music and door prizes. The atmosphere felt more like a family reunion than a formal regatta: racers comparing notes on wind shifts, youth sailors proudly showing off their trophies, and non-sailing friends and family soaking it all in from the pavilion.

Sailing green: a Clean Regatta focus

The Pink Ribbon Regatta is also committed to protecting the waters it sails on. As part of its Clean Regatta efforts, the organizing team focused on reducing single-use plastics, encouraging reusable water bottles, and setting up clear recycling and waste stations to minimize landfill trash.

Food service was planned with waste reduction in mind, and volunteers helped sort recyclables and compostable items at the end of the day. These practices align with Sailors for the Sea’s Clean Regatta principles and reflect HSA’s goal of hosting events that care for both people and the planet.

All their efforts and organization were rewarded as The Pink Ribbon Regatta received Platinum Level Clean Regattas Certification from Sailors for the Sea.

Powered by Windward Women and friends

None of this would happen without the year-round work of Windward Women and the broader HSA community. From early planning and sponsor outreach to mark setting, safety boat driving, registration, scoring, cooking, decorating, and cleanup, volunteers poured their hearts into making the 4th Annual Pink Ribbon Regatta a success.

Youth sailors played a special role this year, too. Many of them not only raced but also helped on shore, learning that sailing can be a pathway to leadership, service, and community-building. For newer sailors, seeing so many women involved in organizing and running the event was as inspiring as the racing itself.

Looking ahead

As the sun set over the Halifax River and the last boats were de-rigged, the sense of accomplishment was clear. The regatta had delivered competitive racing, joyful camaraderie, and tangible support for local breast cancer patients and survivors.

For the Windward Women of Halifax Sailing Association, the Pink Ribbon Regatta is now a cherished tradition - one that blends everything FWSA stands for: women leading on the water, building community, and using sailing as a platform for good.

Plans are already taking shape for the 5th Annual Pink Ribbon Regatta, with hopes of raising even more funds, welcoming more sailors, and continuing to grow this special day on the Halifax River.

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