The 2025 Children’s Medical Research Institute ‘Breakthrough Sprint’ Regatta will celebrate the exceptional contributions of some of Australia’s leading medical researchers based at the Westmead Health Precinct, with an opportunity for CYCA Members to attend a Q&A expert panel from leading researchers who will share insights into cutting-edge research.
This unique event blends the exhilaration of competitive yacht racing with the opportunity to champion life-saving scientific innovation and ultimately thank our amazing research talent for their drive and passion for lifelong care.
On Sunday, 30 March 2025, the event will feature a non-spinnaker yacht race across Sydney Harbour, a post-race lunch, and an engaging expert panel of researchers with scientists who will showcase some achievements and answer questions.
Whilst funding isn’t the primary purpose, any donated funds raised will be directed specifically toward acquiring essential research equipment, empowering to ensure our researchers continue their groundbreaking work in advancing innovation in healthcare.
Medical Research Panelists
Tony Cesare
Professor Tony Cesare is head of CMRI’s Genome Integrity Unit. He is known for a series of discoveries related to “telomeres’’ which have major implications for research on ageing, human development, regenerative medicine, and cancer.
Anai Gonzalez Cordero
Associate Professor Anai Gonzalez Cordero is group leader of CMRI’s Stem Cell Medicine Unit and head of the Stem Cell and Organoid Facility. Her work focuses on using these advanced technologies to treat a range of diseases from genetic blindness to heart and neurological conditions.
Adam Sharpe
Adam Sharpe is a father of two girls. His eldest daughter Alessia was the first person in Australia to receive life-saving gene therapy treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Online auction
Register for the online auction to support the work of the Children’s Medial Research Institute.
Bid on an art auction on the day to help raise funds for medical research at WRH
Suzanne Kelleher is an Australian artist painting figurative landscapes with palette knives predominantly for the health care industry and also for people’s homes.
Her deep interest in human connection and how people interact with the natural world inspires Suzanne’s works. Her art celebrates the various landscapes of Australia from the iconic waterways, the outback, beachscapes and everything in between.
Suzanne is excited to give a large 40”x30” framed painting in her signature textured palette knife painted style to the ‘Breakthrough Sprint’ regatta event’s art auction to raise much-needed funds for medical research. Her artwork will be available to view prior to the regatta event in the CYCA foyer in mid-late March.
Day Schedule | Friday 28 March
- Meet the Artist | 1700hrs – 1800hrs
Day Schedule | Sunday 30 March
- Arrival & Registration | 1115hrs
- Event Welcome | 1145hrs
- Pre-Race BBQ | 1200hrs
- Research Scientist Q&A Presentation and Panel Discussion | 1230hrs – 1315hrs
- 2025 CMRI ‘Breakthrough Sprint’ Regatta | 1400hrs – 1600hrs
- Race Trophy Presentation and Auction | 1630hrs – 1730hrs
