The Youth Sailing Foundation found safe harbor at the Quail Valley River Club for its eighth annual Rock the Boat fundraiser. The event will help fund the mission of the nonprofit to provide educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment.
While sailors are a hardy crew, organizers made the fortuitous call to cancel the student regatta due to inclement weather, something all boaters must learn to respect and navigate. However, as the Vero Beach Pipes & Drums performed at what was to have been the start of the regatta, the skies opened up and gave them all a good soaking.
With all hands on deck, folks moved inside, and the celebration continued. John Moore engaged the crowd in some good-natured banter to liven things up during the raffle and to get everyone on their toes for the live auction that followed dinner.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of you all in this room and really the wider support we get from the Vero Beach community,” said Bill Krueger, board chair.
“We’re only getting started. We have a very bold vision. A bold vision to build a vibrant, public sailing venue for everybody in the Vero Beach community. Thank you for coming out and supporting us this evening.”
The organization is in the process of raising funds to build a community sailing center adjacent to the Three Corners project, which would include pavilions, docks, ramps, a beach launch and a training facility.
Youth Sailing was founded in 2009 by Charlie and Chris Pope with Varoujan Karentz to introduce local children to sailing. The program has continued to grow and today more than 400 children participate throughout the school year and the eight-week summer camp.
In honor of their efforts, supporters funded the naming of the Charlie and Chris Pope Marine Recreational Park, what is planned as a 3-acre marine park at the riverfront site.
Additionally, during the eight years he served on the YSF board, Krueger attributed the nonprofit’s growth to the leadership of Pat Harris, who passed away shortly after the Rock the Boat fundraiser. In honor of his dedication to the nonprofit’s mission, YSF announced that the Sailing Center would be named the Pat Harris Community Sailing Center through a $1 million naming gift from the Miller Family Foundation.
For more information, visit ysfirc.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
