A new nonprofit organization will promote, teach and facilitate the enjoyment of sailing in the Midcoast region.

The Shipyard Community Sailing Center has been created to carry forward the growing momentum of affordable community sailing organizations, such as Sail Maine in Portland and the Apprentice Shop in Rockland, President Pauline Dion said.

Boat ownership is not required.

Shipyard Community Sailing Center will be hosted by the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard offering clubhouse and waterfront facilities to accommodate the Sailing Center. The Boothbay Harbor Shipyard has a long and fascinating history of boat building and servicing of commercial, military and yachting vessels.

Eric Graves, president of the Shipyard and vice president of Shipyard Community Sailing Center, said the yard’s in-town waterfront location makes it the ideal venue for the Sailing Center.

Graves doubts that any Shipyard Community Sailing Center sailboats will need the services of the shipyard’s refurbished and enlarged marine railway but assures that the shipyard is a topnotch facility that provides the highest quality of professional service, maintenance and storage for small vessels.

In order to raise operating and capital funds for Shipyard Community Sailing Center, the shipyard is hosting the fourth annual Nautical Auction designed and organized by Chuck Koch and Pauline Dion on Friday, July 20, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

A silent auction and viewing of the live auction items will be from 5 to 6 p.m. The live auction will commence promptly at 6 p.m. Charity auctioneer Rosey Gerry is again donating his services.
There will be light appetizers and complimentary beverages at this free, all ages event that is educational as well as entertaining.

Another event hosted by the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard is the Boothbay Harbor Rendezvous on Aug. 10, the day before the Shipyard Cup.

This event is an all-inclusive fun sailing race for boats 20 feet and longer. Designed to serve the boating public, this event promises to be one of the region’s premier races of the 2012 summer season.

The rendezvous will begin with a flyover by the nationally famous Texas Flying Legends featuring vintage World War II aircraft. The race will be followed by a Texas-style barbecue, complimentary beverages, awards and an all-female Celtic band that hails from Newfoundland.

More information about registration, the notice of race and schedule of events is available at www.BBHRendezvous.org and on the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard website and blog. Net proceeds from the rendezvous will benefit the Shipyard Community Sailing Center.

Shipyard Community Sailing Center Treasurer Chuck Koch is looking forward to the proceeds of these events increasing the coffers of the Shipyard Community Sailing Center. According to Koch, tax-exempt status is being applied for, and with acceptance will be retroactive to the date of incorporation.