With perfect sunny skies and a steady 10 knots of cooling breeze, the Coral Bay Yacht Club could not have asked for better weather for its 13 “Almost Annual” Flotilla on Saturday, March 20, at Miss Vie’s Campground.
In total, the group raised about $5,500 for the Coral Bay public elementary school Guy Benjamin School. GBS students enjoyed a sail on Coral Bay’s tall ship Silver Cloud thanks to Captain Elliott Hooper, owner of Tall Ship Trading Company.
About a dozen CBYC members sailed their vessels over to the East End site with day trippers paying only $40 for the sail and lunch at the beach. Other party goers opted to drive and pay a $20 entrance fee donation.
While the students spent most of the afternoon in the turquoise waters off Miss Vie’s Campground, Koko and the Sunshine Band kept the rest of the crowd entertained on shore.
Hot dogs and hamburgers and a full spread of local West Indian dishes kept everyone’s hunger at bay. About 15 volunteers — from GBS teachers who served food and lifeguarded to Dick Burks who organized the sailing portion of the flotilla — ensured the afternoon’s success. Local businesses and vendors donated food, drink and supplies for the event.
The coveted top raffle prize of $500 was won by a GBS student, who squealed with delight when his name was called.
Up next for the CBYC is the Commodore’s Cup in May, which brings all three St. John yacht clubs together for one weekend of racing in Coral Bay.
