Wall Street Corporate Challenge Sailing Regatta - Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island – Corporate executives from the financial and legal world got wet and wild this past weekend to raise funds for sailors with disabilities during the 17th annual Wall Street Corporate Challenge sailing regatta. The 'suits' enjoyed two high-spirited days of boat racing aboard legendary America’s Cup yachts like American Eagle, Enterprise, Weatherly and Nefertiti. Proceeds from this sailing event went to support Shake-A-Leg’s summer sailing programs for people with nervous system dysfunction, and those who have been effected by spinal cord injuries.

Chris Jumper, team captain of defending champions MBIA of New York, said “this year’s competition was fierce and the racing was very close! I want to thank Shake-a-Leg for providing MBIA the opportunity to participate in this exciting and worthwhile event. Henry Drummond said that as you look back on your life, the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others. Racing the classic America’s Cup 12-meter yachts in Shake-a-Leg’s Wall Street Challenge has given us an experience that will stand-out for a life time.”

That same great spirit led Chris and his team to another victory in the eight race series, winning the Wall Street Corporate Challenge. Gale International of Boston, a first time participant, sailed into a second place finish in this year's regatta, and rounding out the podium was Debevoise & Plimpton of New York.

Paul Callahan of Shake-A-Leg Newport said that “for the past 17 years, the Wall Street Corporate Challenge has had an incredible impact on the programs we operate in Newport. Each summer the commitment from our large circle of supportive friends inspires us to do create more opportunities for the disabled population. We look forward to welcoming back old friends next year and surely, there is always room for new friends.”

For over 25 years Shake-A-Leg Newport has created and organized summer programs for people with disabilities arising from spinal cord injury or neurological impairment. The charitable organization offers a unique mix of programs to allow children, adolescents and adults of varying abilities to dramatically improve their lives, their health, and increase their confidence. Shake-A-Leg Newport’s Adaptive Sailing program, which broke ground as the first program of its kind in the US, was created in 1982 to make sailing accessible to individuals with physical as well as intellectual disabilities.

- Kim Hampton exclusively for YachtPals

Video: Sailing aboard the yacht Nefertiti at the Wall Street Corporate Challenge sailing regatta in Newport Rhode Island.