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16th to 19th May, Kyiv Sea: Kyiv Lions Club (KLC) and the WindMaster Regatta tested a new concept in fund raising over last weekend when two yachts out of a fleet of nearly 30 taking part in the Annual WindMaster Regatta used the event to raise money for children’s charity projects in Ukraine. Two yachts were fitted with GPS trackers so that their distance sailed could be accurately logged. ‘Barbarian’ was crewed by the staff of Whites Communication whilst ‘Solovey’, which was loaned for the event by Christian Xinias of Dolmart, was crewed by members of KLC. Whilst neither yacht took line honours they were able to raise a net total of $8,307.00 with 50% of the money go to the WindMaster Regatta to further children’s yachting as a sport and the other 50% going to children’s projects organised by KLC. Over half of the money raised came from the international property company Seven Hills who’s Managing Director Ari Schwartz is a keen advocate of children’s sport. The remaining sponsors were private citizens that donated a few Hryvna per kilometre. President of the Kyiv Lions Club Martin Nunn said “Yachting in Ukraine is still seen as a rather elitist sport where as in reality most of the people that sail are just ordinary people with a passion. We wanted to see if we could raise money to promote yachting as a sport for children and especially for those that are under privileged using the WindMaster Regatta and modern technology. The beauty of this form of fund raising is that everybody can give a little and everybody wins. In total we received sponsorship of over $66.00 per kilometre and had the wind been stronger and the courses longer then our total might well have topped $10,000. Sailing teaches children not only about themselves, building their confidence and understanding; but it also teaches them how to work together. The WindMaster concept of developing a fleet of sponsored children’s training boats is an excellent way of bringing a new opportunity to children in Kyiv”, Director of the Windmaster Regatta Yuri Semeniuk said “This is a great achievement in that it has clearly demonstrated that yachting and charity can work together for the future of the sport and to help children in need. As a result of the project we have already had requests from a number of crews wishing to join the project to raise money as part in the autumn regatta. The money raised this weekend will be used to buy three new Optimist class training boats which will form the basis of our new programme to develop children’s yachting in Kyiv, especially for those that would not normally have access to the sport. Plans are already underway for the autumn round of the WindMaster Regatta when hopefully up to 10 boats will fund raise whilst they race. Kyiv Lions Club Kyiv Lions Club was registered in 2002. Since then it has expanded to over 70 members who through their expertise and hard work have raised and donated almost $750,000 to worthy causes in Ukraine. Such is the growing reputation of that international companies now view Kyiv Lions Club as a safe means of making charitable donations and of ensuring that their generosity is not diverted. . KLC donations have been used to provide essential life support systems for new born babies, equipment for diagnosing cancer in children, teaching equipment for children with Down Syndrome, sporting opportunities for the mentally disabled, shoes and better living conditions for orphans, cataract operations, new glasses, vaccinations and Christmas baskets for the elderly as well as providing construction and decoration materials for homes for the orphaned, sick and elderly. . . Besides the Club has been the main sponsor of Special Olympics Ukraine delegation. All of this has been made possible through your kindness and generosity. Kyiv Lions Club would like to say thank you to all who gave of their time and money to support its projects. Lions Club International Lions Club International is the world’s largest charitable organization. With over 45,000 clubs around the world, Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 250 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions participate in a vast variety of projects important to their communities. These projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing medical equipment and supplies to needy, including vulnerable children, the disabled, elderly and victims of natural disasters. Beginning in 1917, the Association of Lions Clubs has provided millions of people with the opportunity to give something back to their communities. The mandatory policy for Lions Clubs the world over is that each club is funded by its members and that 100% of all funds raised are donated to verifiable charity projects. WindMaster Regatta WindMaster Regatta is an international yachting competition hosted on the Kiev Sea since 2009. The regatta includes racing for sports boats of Sportboat, Cruiser/Racer and Star ORC Classes. In 2011 the Regatta also introduces ‘Optimist’ children’s yacht racing. The WindMaster Regatta teaches young generation of Ukrainian yachtsmen complicated and multi-sized culture of international yachting. The teams participating in the regatta constantly demonstrate outstanding skills and professionalism in national and international sailing events, achieving world class results. WindMaster Regatta pays great attention to the younger generation of sailors, develops and cherishes a traditionally complex and colourful culture of international yachting. Part of the funds collected through regatta partners, are spent on the purchase of sports equipment for children's sailing schools. It has already become a tradition to present a new Optimist boat to one of children's sailing schools on the final day of competition.
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