Sailing in the World ARC 2019 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
What do you do when you have been in the marine industry for 55 years? Go sailing, of course. Johannes “Jopie” Helsen and his partner Heidi Trilsch have entered the World ARC 2019. On Saturday, January 12, 2019, a fleet of sailboats will leave Saint Lucia and sail the 9th World ARC. The itinerary includes going through the Panama Canal and stopping at such places at the Galapagos, Marquesas, Tahiti, Australia and on to South Africa. See itinerary:
Since both Heidi and Jopie have been involved in supporting charities, they decide to make it a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Jopie is a cancer survivor and Heidi’s step-mother is a Lymphoma survivor. They chose The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society because of the research and dedication towards finding a cure for blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Heidi and Jopie’s goal is to raise $1 million by April 2020 by having at least 200,000 followers on social media follow their trip around the world who can donate directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
They also plan to have sailors who want adventure and be part of the crew bid on the 60-plus legs that will be available. The two aft double cabins will be available for sailors to sail a leg(s) and 100% of that money will go directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The boat SV SKY is a custom-built 57-foot Vaudrey Miller, Simonis Voogd design. The 4-cabin boat was designed to sail the world and Jopie’s boat yard, the Sailor’s Wharf, is renovating the boat for easy sailing so that one person can easily do everything on the boat.
The people who have the opportunity to sail on SV SKY, will sail with captain Jopie Helsen, a 2-generation boat builder and yacht designer and Heidi Trilsch will be the Admiral. Heidi is from Massachusetts and has been sailing her whole life.
Heidi and Jopie are looking forward to the World ARC 2019 and hope that thousands or followers will donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.