Picture-perfect weather was on board for the Mill Neck Family of Organizations’ Third Annual Sail the Sound for Deafness Regatta on Thursday, Aug. 7. The event, featuring an evening race of yachts, followed by a cocktail party, was held to benefit the organization that serves individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have other special needs.
In this year’s race, fifteen sailors took to the waters of Oyster Bay Harbor; three aboard their own boats, others on several boats provided by Oakcliff Sailing Center. The WaterFront Center’s oyster sloop, Christeen and two vessels from Oyster Bay Marine Center, brought a total of 45 spectators out to watch the race.
Later, guests arrived for a party at the historic Mill Neck Manor House. At the gathering, nearly 200 people enjoyed tastings and refreshments from some of the area’s finest establishments. The Tudor Revival mansion, with its terrace overlooking Long Island Sound, was the venue for the soirée which also featured raffles, silent auction items and live music generously provided by Just Cause.
As in the previous two Regattas, four yachts were designated to race for specific Mill Neck causes. Of the classics provided by Oakcliff, Banzai raced for deaf education; Nautilus represented preschoolers with special needs; Storm raced for services for deaf adults and Clio represented hearing health awareness. For the first time, Mill Neck Services emerged as the winner of the Mill Neck Cup, the trophy they will have the honor of displaying until next year’s race.
