When Steve Eddleston, Bristol resident, owner of the America’s Cup-winning Weatherly, and Commodore of the 12Metre Yacht Club Newport Station, saw that there was not going to be a Leukemia Cup in Newport this year, he decided he’d create his own charity race instead. He got two other Cup series boats, the Columbia and the Nefertiti, to sign on, and in his words, “When you have three boats, it’s a regatta.”

After doing some research, Eddleston found Heart to Heart International, a global humanitarian organization whose mission is to improve healthcare access around the world by ensuring quality care is provided equitably in disaster situations around the world. Of donations given to the group, 99 cents of every dollar goes to providing direct medical relief to Ukrainians.

“It’s a meaningful way for sailors in the region to have their friends and family support a great cause,” Eddleston said. “It’s saving lives in Ukraine today and tomorrow.”

The race itself is being held on Saturday, June 4, and has two starting points — the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport and the Bristol Yacht Club. Racers will perform a clockwise route around Conanicut Island.

All in all, it took Eddleston merely six weeks to put together the event. The Herreshoff Marine Museum will serve as the Organizing Authority by registering and scoring all entries, and the International Twelve Metre Association will support the effort.

Registration is open until the event, and potential racers can learn more and register by going to 12myc.org/raceforukraine.