The Southport Junior Yacht Club Sailing Foundation is grateful for support of our new 420 fleet and Boat Endowment Campaign.

Last summer, the Campaign began in July and in less than two months, we had pledges and donations to purchase an entire fleet of twelve new 420s for the sailing program, as well as create an endowment fund for their maintenance and support. Donations not only came from local businesses and seasoned sailing families, but also students in our beginning sailing classes. We truly appreciate the generosity of the entire community and will be placing a plaque with the names of all the donors to the Campaign on the wall of the Southport Yacht Club.

On Saturday, July 27, a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, led by the Reverend Kit Sherrill, was held in conjunction with the Seguin Island Trophy Race post-race celebration. Each of the 12 new boats was adorned with a garland of lisianthus, symbolizing appreciation, and laurel, symbolizing success and victory. Following the wishes  of our donors, our new boats are named: GLEAM, Kia Ora, Eastern Coluber, Cough Drop, FOURSIGHT, McHaste, Clarissa, James, Veni Vidi Vici, and TYALI; Blue Sky was a name selected from donations made by sailing students, and The Knotty Yacht was the name chosen for the final boat by the current advanced sailing class. The 420s are the boats sailed by our most advanced sailors who have graduated in both years and with skills gained from training in Turnabouts and Optimists.

We look forward to many years of exciting sailing with our beautiful new fleet.