On April 11 and 12, 2026, Tiburon’s beautiful Corinthian Yacht Club will host the inaugural Sailing4Parkinson’s Benefit Regatta, a remarkable weekend of sailing, community, and philanthropy benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Parkinson’s Association of Northern California.
MerciSF had the opportunity to interview the team behind this inspiring initiative last fall, and we are delighted to see this ambitious project now coming to life in the Bay Area.
Taking place during World Parkinson’s Day, the event is far more than a fundraiser. It highlights the powerful connection between sailing, resilience, and well-being for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
A French-Inspired Global Initiative Arrives in the Bay Area
This inaugural regatta also marks the official U.S. debut of The Neptune Project, an international initiative founded in Brittany, France.
The project partners with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to support research, awareness, and patient empowerment through sailing.
At the heart of the initiative is a powerful message: sailing can be transformative. The sport helps strengthen balance, coordination, and mental focus—areas often impacted by Parkinson’s—while creating a supportive and adventurous community.
The Neptune Project gained international attention when sailor Bertrand Delhom, living with Parkinson’s disease, became the first person with the condition to sail around the world, participating in the legendary Ocean Globe Raceaboard the Neptune racing yacht.
A Weekend of Sailing, Inspiration, and Celebration
The two-day program combines sailing experiences, a regatta, and a festive gala bringing together sailors, researchers, philanthropists, and members of the Parkinson’s community.
Saturday, April 11 – World Parkinson’s Day
The weekend begins with Sailing4Parkinson’s Day in Sausalito, featuring an informal “Cruise Out” on the Bay.
One of the highlights will be a special sailing experience aboard the historic Matthew Turner tall ship departing at 1:30 PM from the Sausalito Bay Model, offering free sailing opportunities for Bay Area residents living with Parkinson’s.
In the evening, guests will gather for the “Fête de la Baie” Gala Dinner at the Corinthian Yacht Club from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Hosted by KPIX sports broadcaster Vern Glenn, the evening will include a silent auction, inspiring talks, and a celebration of the sailing community.
Distinguished speakers include: Tiburon Mayor Holly Thier, Sailor Bertrand Delhom, who sailed around the world with Parkinson’s, Dr. Tan Raffray, ophthalmologic surgeon and skipper of the Neptune international racing boat, Jean‑Pierre Conte, Legendary sailor Paul Cayard, winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race and America’s Cup skipper, Jan Whitney, Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of Northern California, and Amy Bridge, Founder and Director of the Sailing4Parkinson’s Regatta and the U.S. chapter of The Neptune Project
Sunday, April 12 – The Regatta
The weekend concludes with the Sailing4Parkinson’s Regatta, beginning at 12:30 PM from the Corinthian Yacht Club.
Sailors and yacht clubs across the Bay Area are invited to participate in this friendly but meaningful competition, with proceeds supporting Parkinson’s research and patient programs.
The race will be followed by a post-race celebration and soirée, bringing together participants and supporters to close out the weekend.
A Powerful Community Effort
Sailing4Parkinson’s embodies a spirit that resonates strongly in the Bay Area: innovative collaboration, community engagement, and the power of collective action.
By bringing together French and American sailing traditions, medical research, and patient advocacy, the event hopes to raise both funds and awareness for a disease affecting nearly 10 million people worldwide.
For sailors, supporters, and anyone interested in making a difference, this promises to be a truly special weekend on the Bay
Learn more, register for the regatta, or purchase gala tickets:
https://www.sailing4parkinsons.org/
