As we begin the new year, I look back on 2025 as one of the most successful years for your Foundation. We had a very successful Summer Sailing Camp in concert with the City of Ft. Lauderdale. They have proven to be great partners in helping to achieve our mutual goals. They not only provide us with resources but also vet participants in our program and provide scholarships to many of them. Last year we ran four two-week programs with twelve sailors in each. Every session was filled to capacity. In addition, we ran two one-week programs for the CRYC kids, some of which also participated in the two-week programs.
We continue to provide our Paddleboards, Kayaks and Sailboats at no charge. They are always available for your use with a reservation. We have added additional assets this year including a new Lazer Sailboat, a new BOTE Paddleboard, Our Storage Trailer, Boat Trailers, additional sailing and maintenance equipment.
As always, we work with and provide funding and resources to 501 C3 Charitable Organizations with mission statements like ours. We continue to support Scuba4Good as one of those worthwhile organizations.
Our fundraising efforts last year were also very successful. Our major fundraising event, the Party with a Purpose, has increased from our original event with 50 guests to last year’s party hosting 200 guests. It is a wonderful evening for a great cause. Of course, your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. This year’s Party with a Purpose is scheduled for Saturday night, April 11, 2026.
The Epicurean Dinner, which is held in November each year, was originally limited to 20 guests but this year Chef Steve assured us that he could provide the same elegant evening for up to 40 guests. All 38 guests that attended experienced a truly spectacular evening, again for a great cause.
Many of you also attended Foundation Day. The event was Chaired by Rich Barnhart, one of our Board members who described the day as follows:
Foundation Day at the Club was an incredible success, bringing our members together for a memorable celebration on and off the water. Scuba 4 Good kicked off the morning in the pool with their adaptive divers, each one surfacing with a huge smile. Several groups of young members enjoyed their very first scuba experience, many now inspired to full certification. Over at Sunrise Bay paddleboards and sailboats filled the water and the steady breeze made it perfect for the kid’s regatta. Meanwhile, at the Pointe, club favorite Mark Zaden kept the energy high with his Guitar set. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated and made the day truly special.
Thanks to Rich for his hard work in making this a special day for everyone.
We look forward to another great year in 2026. We will start working on the Summer Sailing Program and other events to benefit the Community and CRYC. We also have plans to provide Boating Safety Courses and to add additional assets geared to more advanced sailors and adults. Again at no charge.
Our plans and all the above have been possible largely due to the support we have received from CRYC Members. We do appreciate your support, and you can be assured that we will continue to work hard to benefit CRYC and the Community.
Bob Epstein, President
CORAL RIDGE YACHT CLUB SAILING AND WATER SPORTS FOUNDATION
954-648-2002 – robertwepstein@gmail.com
