“The Charm of the Chesapeake” is the theme for the 4th Annual Southern Chesapeake Volvo Leukemia Cup Regatta Wine Reception, Saturday, May 18, at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. Guest presenters for the event will be well-known Bay sailors and authors Dick and Dixie Goertemiller. The Goertemillers, who live in Reedville, are founders of Chesapeake Bay Magazine and for many years were editors of the popular Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay. They have sailed the Chesapeake for more than 35 years and have written hundreds of articles and stories covering their many cruising and sailing adventures. In addition to their cruising experiences, Dick Goertemiller, who is a leukemia survivor, is also a marine artist. Their presentation includes a unique and colorful selection of slides and pictures capturing the highlights of their varied voyages throughout the Bay. Those attending the reception, which begins at 7:00pm on May 18, will also have a chance to sample a variety of Virginia wines and to take part in guided tours of the museum, including the popular Chesapeake Bay exhibit. Admission to the Reception is $25.00. with all proceeds going toward leukemia research and patient care here in Virginia.The Wine Reception is one of several events marking this year’s fundraising regatta, which will be held in Deltaville July 12-13. Other events include the Christchurch Leukemia Cup Junior Challenge on the Rappahannock River and the Spring Kayak Tour on the Piankatank River at Stamper’s Bay on Saturday, May 4, and the Junior Sail-a-thon for elementary school aged youngsters at Fishing Bay Yacht Club on Friday, June 21. The highlight of this year’s regatta comes the weekend of July 12-13, beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, July 12, with a Welcome Reception and Silent Auction at FBYC. Regatta Day on Saturday, July 13, opens with registration, a skipper’s breakfast and a series of PHRF, MORC and cruising class races. Something new this year is two racing events, with the cruising boats competing separately from the hard-core racers. For spectators, a fleet of VIP boats will be available so that sightseers can go out into the Bay and watch the racing action close-up. Following a day on the water, the Grand Gala and Awards Ceremony will be held at Stingray Harbor Marina in Deltaville. Admission to the gala is free, but there is a $20.00 charge for dinner tickets. The public is encouraged to attend. During the award ceremony, prizes will be presented to the top fundraisers and leading racers will take home awards and trophies. The top award is the Leukemia Cup Memorial Trophy, which will be presented to the year’s top fundraiser. This year’s regatta is being presented by SunTrust and is sponsored by Fishing Bay Yacht Club and Stingray Harbor Marina. Besides Volvo, other national sponsors include The Moorings, West Marine, Sailing World, Mt. Gay Rum, North Sails, marine artist John Mecray and model boat builder Ken Gardiner. Besides SunTrust, other local and area sponsors include Southside Bank, SpinSheet Magazine, the Mariners’ Museum, the Southside Sentinel, Rappahannock Record, The Rivah Visitors’ Guide and WINDY Radio. For information on the Wine Reception or any of the other events in this year’s Leukemia Cup Regatta, please contact Pam Stumpff at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Virginia office at (800) 866-4483 or (757) 838-9351 or e.mail Pam at stumpffp@va.leukemia-lymphoma.org