SAFE HARBOR NEWPORT SHIPYARD TO HOST ANNUAL ‘PUMPKIN REGATTA’ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, TO BENEFIT THE CONFETTI FOUNDATION

On Friday, October 11, the local yachting community is invited to Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard to race and/or spectate at the Shipyard’s annual “Pumpkin Regatta” to raise funds for The Confetti Foundation in Middletown, RI from 4:00-7:00pm. Food from Wally’s Wieners will be served along with beverages thanks to sponsors RC Marine Electric, SKYLINK Tek, Newport Yacht Builders, Casey’s Oil & Propane, al fresco Composites, Itchiban Yacht Painters, Hallam’s Marine Service and Newport Rigging Group.

Started more than twelve years ago, the Pumpkin Regatta is an annual tradition and fund-raiser with all proceeds given to a different organization each year. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard employees organize the annual event by painting three fiberglass pumpkins, setting up food and beverages for all to enjoy, and asking local companies to donate items for a silent auction. “Our annual Pumpkin Regatta is a favorite for our yacht captains and crew who love to race against each other for the fastest time in our bright orange pumpkins,” said Michael Millerick, General Manager of Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard.

“It’s a sure sign of fall in full swing when this perennial event comes around and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate before our customers head south for the winter,” Millerick said. “This year’s regatta will benefit The Confetti Foundation, a local non-profit charity based in Middletown, RI, who provides birthday parties (gifts, decorations & party supplies) to children who are in the hospital on their birthday. Last year we had over 125 people join us to race and cheer on their friends and fellow crew members, all while raising over $6,000 for Friends of Newport Skatepark,” Millerick said.

Pumpkin Regatta 2024 will benefit The Confetti Foundation. Come race or spectate! Register here: https://www.newportshipyard.com/events/pumpkinregatta-2024

“We are honored to be the beneficiaries of this fun event,” said Stephanie Frazier Grimm, Founder of The Confetti Foundation. “We firmly believe that every child deserves to be celebrated, and we admire the values, generosity and commitment that Safe Harbor Marinas brings to their customers, community and our mission,” Grimm said. “The joy these birthday parties bring to a hospital setting are unmatched and we are grateful to the Safe Harbor community.” More information can be found on their website: https://www.confettifoundation.org

This year several teams are planning to participate in the relay-style race across Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard’s ‘Main Street’ basin for bragging rights as the fastest team. Teams are allowed to race more than once to best their own time, and there will be prizes for fastest team & best costumes. “The energy around the Pumpkin Regatta is always lighthearted and festive, which is a nice outlet for captains and crew who are often working long days getting ready for their return to warmer climates,” continued Millerick. “We hope to keep this tradition going for many years to come.”

Paddlers and spectators are asked to pay $25 each to enter, and there will also be a silent auction and direct donation opportunities available during the event.

Local Newport businesses who have generously donated products and overnight stays for the silent auction and raffle include: The Brenton Hotel; CK Bradley; Clarke Cooke House; Gold’s Wine and Spirits; Newport Marriott; Monelle Newport; Newport Mansions; Onne van der Wal Photography & Video; Big Weather Gear; and Safe Harbor Marinas. “A big thanks to our donors and sponsors who are helping to make this annual event a huge success,” Millerick concluded.

For more information, contact: Veronica Brown, 401-855-0945 or email: vbrown@shmarinas.com. Click here to register or to make a donation to The Confetti Foundation.

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About Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is one of the most popular and recommended shipyards in the United States. The full-service marina and shipyard has over 3,500 linear feet of dock space that can accommodate yachts longer than 300 feet. Its amenities include a dockside café, ship store, fitness center, and marina vehicles. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is host to many prestigious yachting events including the Newport Charter Yacht Show, Gosling’s Rum Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Crew Party for the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race, Safe Harbor Race Weekend, Newport Yacht Rendezvous benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, and Newport Brokerage Boat Show. For more information, visit: www.shmarinas.com