Over 100 adults and children attended The Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club’s annual Junior Program Fundraiser this past Sunday. It was yet another example of the fun, family atmosphere that is ever-present at SSYC.
The event was held in the newly-renovated junior clubhouse, which had substantial damage last fall from Sandy and needed a complete interior renovation. Dan Ricker, Opti Team coach, entertained the crowd with video from his his Go-Pro, which he had attached to the kids’ boats during various sailing lessons and races this season.
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Along with food, drinks and music, there was a large chance auction with a wide variety of baskets for both adults and children (the kids stuffed their tickets into the jars next to the Shark watch and the basket of candy).Two larger items were up for bid via a live auction, and thanks to generous attendees, the bidding war went on for quite some time!
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Susan Ricker, Opti Fleet Captain and event coordinator, was thrilled with the turnout and the funds that were raised for the junior program. Both she and the Commodore, Kelly Zweig, expressed their appreciation to all who attended, made donations and who support the junior program on an ongoing basis.
Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club’s junior program continues to thrive as it provides skills for all levels of sailors. Many of the kids, as young as 9 years old, race competitively in regattas up and down the East Coast throughout the summer. Last week, over 20 sailors participated in the 2-day Mid-Atlantic Junior Olympics regatta at Island Heights Yacht Club, taking home trophies in laser, 420 and Opti fleets. Next week, the Opti Team heads up to Portland, Maine for the 4-day New England Championships, while the beginner and intermediate Optis, and all 420 and laser sailors, will participate in the Junior Sweepstakes Regatta held at SSYC on Monday & Tuesday and Monmouth Boat Club on Wednesday & Thursday.
Many of the kids in the junior program continue to sail on high school and college teams. Red Bank Regional High School and Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School are largely comprised of SSYC sailors, again sailing up and down the east coast throughout the year.
For more information on all SSYC programs, visit www.ssyc.us. All are welcome to come check out the club and programs at any time!
