As the season gets into full swing, so does the Foundation. After completing our most successful summer sailing camp ever, we look forward to our upcoming events and programs. As I write this article, we are only 2 days away from the Epicurean Dinner. This is one of our most successful fund-raising events and in the past was limited to only 20 people. We announce the event at the Party with a Purpose and most guests sign up at that time. This year we had 24 people make reservations for the event and it was sold out at that point. It is truly an outstanding event and an opportunity for us to thank our very generous donors.
What’s coming up? We strive to have events that appeal to our entire membership during the year, and we have plans for the following events and parties at this point.
December 7, 2024 – Fall Regatta. We are holding our first ever Regatta featuring our CRYC Sunday Sailing Club and the St. Mark’s Episcopal School Sailing Club. All members are welcome to attend the event and watch the sailing race in the bay. We will have an awards ceremony and light snacks and drinks will be available. Come out and support our young sailors!
February 1, 2025 – Foundation Day and Winter Regatta. This will be our second annual Foundation Day which will start with our Discover Scuba Event in the morning and will continue through lunch and into the afternoon. This is a day of watersports and Foundation awareness revolving around the Sailing Center, the Pool and the Pointe. There will be a lunch buffet and live music at the Pointe. Of course, all the Foundation water toys including sailboats and paddleboards will be available for members to try. Have you always wanted to try Scuba? Now is your chance. We will wind up the day cheering on our young sailors in the Winter Regatta. Don’t miss this event. It is sure to be the watersports party of the year! More details coming soon.
March 29, 2025 – The Party with a Purpose. This has been the Foundation’s major fund-raising event for many years. Our first Party with a Purpose was limited to 60 guests and sold as all of them have since. Last year’s event hosted over 120 donors and was a huge success. The evening features a special cocktail hour with complimentary cocktails, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and then a gourmet white glove dinner, again with wine of your choice. We will have live music throughout the evening and a very special silent auction. This is truly a special evening for a special cause.
Every Sunday – Sunday Sailing Club. Meredith and Alex Campbell head up the CRYC Sunday Sailing Club with the help of the Foundation and parents. It has been a huge success and a great amenity for our families interested in sailing.
Tuesdays after school – Intermediate Sailing Program. The Fall Sailing Program with St. Mark’s Episcopal School was such a great success that we plan to hold another program this Spring. If your sailor is ready to advance their skills and receive intermediate instruction in the competition Opti and RS Feva sailboats, then this program is for you. More details to come soon.
As we move forward and our activities expand, the Foundation has hired a Maintenance Director, David Smith, to make sure our assets are kept in tip-top shape for your enjoyment. Remember, there is no additional cost to use our watersports toys, but we need to take care of them.
How can you help us do our good work? Of course, donations are always welcome and tax deductible. Please participate in our events and help us spread the word about the great work the Foundation is doing. Make plans to attend the Party with a Purpose on March 29, 2025. Include your name or one of a loved one on the TEAM FOUNDATION DONOR PLAQUE at the entrance to the Clubhouse. All of your donations, including events, count towards the $1,000 total to have your name displayed with our other donors.
We look forward to another great year in 2025 and another successful Summer Sailing Camp with our partners, the City of Fort Lauderdale and LYC Sailing Foundation.
Thank you for your support!
Bob Epstein, President
CRYC Sailing and Watersports Foundation
954-648-2002
robertwepstein@gmail.com
