Sail Black Rock, which hosts the intercollegiate sailing teams of Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University, needs to expand their waterfront classroom, known as The Pilot House, at Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, CT. “The two teams often fill The Pilot House to capacity (20) and if it’s not expanded it will restrict program growth,” said SBR Executive Director Dave White. “The plan is to enclose the building’s waterside deck to increase the indoor area from 200 to 400 square feet, which should then accommodate 40+ student sailors. We also want to update the heads, showers and laundry in the back portion of the building.”
Sail Black Rock, in conjunction with the Sacred Heart and Fairfield teams, hosts over 700 visiting high school and college sailors at seven annual regattas, including the Great Oaks high school national qualifier, the Girls’ New England championship qualifier for the Herreshoff Trophy, and the Intercollegiate New England Freshman Championship for the Priddy Trophy.
Racers look forward to regattas at SBR, both for the ever-popular post-race pizza parties hosted by Regatta Ginger Beer and the educational and entertaining pre-race mini-presentations by such sailing luminaries as Dave Perry, David Dellenbaugh, Dawn Riley and Sally Barkow. “The talks are so well attended that the classroom is always overflowing,” said White. “One event had 60 attendees while the room only accommodates 20. We are reaching out to the sailing community for financial help from a donor(s) to expand the classroom. Naming of the building is available for a significant donation to the Sail Black Rock Foundation.” Any passionate sailor wanting to help regional youth stay engaged in our wonderful sport, please contact White at dave@dhwhiterealestate.com. ■
