Bilge Auction to Once Again Support Sea Scouts
April 29, 2024
by Diane Foote
It’s that time again! Time to clean out your bilge, garage, or sail locker and join Chicago Yacht Club’s fleets for the annual Bilge Auction in support of the Club’s Sea Scout Ship Privateer. Last year’s event raised a record $28,000 thanks to your generous support!
On Saturday, May 11, the Cruising Sail Fleet and Power Fleet are hosting a BBQ dinner at the Club’s Belmont Station. Following dinner, CYC Foundation President Greg Miarecki will emcee and act as auctioneer for a wide variety of used and new nautical items, ranging from buckets, power cords, dock steps, and PFDs, to three nights of docking at two private slips in New Buffalo, Michigan and two seats for a Cubs game at the exclusive Catalina Club at Wrigley Field.
“I’m excited to serve as the auctioneer again for the Bilge Auction,” said Miarecki. “Last year’s attendees blew me away with their incredible generosity. We’re looking forward to a big crowd and a fun evening again this year!”
New items are continually being added, and bidders will also be able to sponsor specific benefits for the Sea Scouts, including campfire refreshments, PFDs, and the like. In 2023 bidding was spirited from a full house of boaters, many of whom are fairly competitive, looking to pick up bargains and outbid each other.
“One sailor’s used parts and sailing gear can be another sailor’s answer to getting on the water safely this year,” said Jerry Gurthet, chair of the Bilge Auction. “We encourage as many people as possible to donate to help the scouts and other sailors in our community.”
The Chicago Yacht Club and the CYC Foundation support the Sea Scout Ship Privateer, the oldest Sea Scout ship in the nation; in boating, a “ship” is analogous to a Scout “troop” on land. Privateer was chartered with the Boy Scouts of America in 1923 as part of the Club’s commitment to marine education for youth ages 14-21. The Sea Scout program is committed to teaching young people general life skills associated with sailing including responsibility, respect for the environment, teamwork, decision-making, problem- solving, and self-reliance. Sea Scouts also learn specialized skills, such as navigation, weather, water rescue, boat handling and sailing theory.
There are two ways to get involved:
If you have old boating gear or other noteworthy items in your bilge, garage, or sail locker, please consider donating them and help our Sea Scouts raise funds for their programming this year. You may drop off your items at either Monroe or Belmont Station prior to the auction.
Register to attend the event. It’s a ton of fun, and everyone is welcome; you do not need to be a CYC member to attend. Registration is available on the Club calendar for members and Eventbrite for nonmembers. It’s a great value at $20 for a delicious BBQ buffet dinner; a cash or member charge bar will be available. Please join us!