The Shipyard Community Sailing Center wishes to thank all the donors,  attendees, volunteers and bidders at the successful fourth annual Nautical Auction. Although unable to surpass last year’s $12,000, all the proceeds will all go to the SCSC to benefit youth sailing initiatives. In 2011, the proceeds supported a Boothbay Region Sailing Club for high schoolers through the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Foundation. All refreshments, space and equipment for this year’s event were donated. A very special thank you to Rosey Gerry who donated his services as auctioneer for the third straight year.

Rapidly approaching is the inaugural running of the Boothbay Harbor Rendezvous on Friday, August 10. This is a fun sailboat race around the islands ending in awards and dinner at the Shipyard. This all inclusive racing event is for sailboats 20 feet or longer. To kick-off the Rendezvous, sailors and spectators alike will enjoy a flyover by the “Texas Flying Legends”. Instead of lobsters, the party will feature a Texas BBQ, music and a few surprises. More information is on the Rendezvous web site, www.bbhrendezvous.org. All proceeds will benefit SCSC and provide community and youth sailing opportunities.

In order to explore the many potential youth sailing initiatives, SCSC will be inviting community leaders to a program planning session at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard. Our mission is the advancement of sailing and boating by minimizing the economic and physical barriers and further to develop independence, self-confidence, teamwork and volunteerism in participants. Among the programs being considered are “Pee Wee Sailor,” teen keelboat sailing, family boat building and other parent/child programs. We believe that there are opportunities to support and collaborate with the Sea Scouts, BSA, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ocean Classrooms, local yacht clubs, YMCA Adventure Camp, other community non-profit organizations and marine related commercial enterprises. SCSC is intended to be a community service project that will attract many volunteers and contributors. We hope to be a catalyst for a “rising tide” of on the water activities.

The founders and organizers of SCSC are: Eric Graves, President of Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, sailor and master ship builder; Pauline Dion, sailor, retired nursing educator, a leader in youth sailing program management and past or current Director of several local non-profit Boards; Charles Koch, long time sailor and racer, retired physician and founder and CEO (10 yrs.) of a non-profit rehabilitation center for youth harmfully involved in drugs. The ownership of Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, in hosting and supporting this project, is dedicated to helping Boothbay Harbor be one of the premier boating harbors and destinations in Maine. It is expected that their commitment to providing a community sailing center will have a positive economic impact on Midcoast Maine.