The Southwestern Yacht Club (SWYC) in Point Loma will host its grand, annual Benefit on the Bay fundraising event beginning Saturday, April 14. To date, the SWYC and its sponsors have raised more than $500,000 through the event to support San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. The event gives supporters three sets of events in which to participate. “Southwestern Yacht Club members look forward to this event each year and we invite the community to come out to participate in the on-the-water activities and the evening gala,” said SWYC Commodore Geoff Longenecker. “San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine have been caring for San Diegans with life-threatening illnesses since 1977, and this is our opportunity to give back.” Both groups work to ensure that all patients facing life-threatening illnesses are “provided with the highest quality of care, regardless of their ability to pay.” The benefit event starts Saturday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. with the Sunset Soiree gala. The club’s signature event includes hors d’oeuvres, hosted wine, a formal dinner, a silent and live auction, and live entertainment. Guests can place bids on various gifts, trips and adventures like a seven-day Star Clippers cruise in the Carribean or a weeklong stay at a condo in Mammoth. Tickets for this part of the Benefit on the Bay are $75. The event continues Sunday, April 15 with the annual Charity Bay Race and Regatta. Now in its 25th year, the SWYC’s event is one of the largest charity regattas in the nation, according to organizers. Crews will compete in a 10-mile course around San Diego Bay. The race begins at noon and can be watched nearly anywhere along the bay. For those who would rather participate than watch, participation is open both to public and to club members. Following the race, there will be an after-party at 3 p.m. The party includes a barbecue, music, raffle and awards ceremony at the club, located at 2702 Qualtrough St. at San Antonio Ave. Tickets for the post-race party only are $15 each. The entry fee for the race is $70 and will also include the admission to the barbecue. The benefit and its festivities begin again the next month with the 42nd annual Anglers’ Bottom Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 5. The tournament begins with a complimentary breakfast for anglers to kick off the day of fishing. The day ends with a weigh-in and fish fry. The entry fee to participate is $75. For more information about the events or to purchase tickets, call (619) 222-0438 or visit www.southwesternyc.org.