The Marianas Yacht Club will hold its sixth annual Blues by the Bay fundraiser on Jan. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the club’s facility in Sasa Bay, Piti.
The event, originally orchestrated by club members Bob Leeper and Ginger Porter, is open to all members of the public and will feature music by local blues band Old Man Rebel. Food and beverages will be served throughout the afternoon and evening.
“The main goal of the fundraiser is to support activities or needs that are above and beyond the usual operating costs of the club,” Porter says.
“Past events have (included financing) a roof replacement for the islandstyle clubhouse and (supporting) sailors to compete in off-island competition.”
According to Porter, this year’s Blues by the Bay fundraiser will support new rigs for the Optimist dinghies used in the group’s summer youth sailing camp and to upgrade the running rigging equipment for the Laser training fleet. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the Opti/Laser sailing fleet and potential sailing camps.
In addition to their fundraising efforts, the Marianas Yacht Club will be celebrating its 43rd year as an organization on Feb. 21 by hosting the 35th Annual Guam Japan Goodwill Regatta. The club is anticipating a good turnout of sailors from Guam and Japan, as well as former residents of Guam.
“The club has always ensured that sailing instruction occurs for the general public interested in developing basic sailing skills,” says Porter.
“The training program is offered as a community service . . . to provide for the recruitment of new members.”
What people hope to get out of the Blues by the Bag fundraiser is up to them, but what they should expect to have is a good time.
“The covered patio doubles as a dance floor for those who like to groove,” says Porter. “And the lead singer (of Old Man Rebel) will give you goosebumps.”
More Optimist Sailing News on: http://www.guampdn.com/article/20120118/COMMUNITIES/201180303