Record Amount Raised in CYC Cruising Sail Fleet Bilge Auction

June 28, 2023

by Megan McNichols

Spirited bidding for items ranging from a week-long sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands to a vintage life vest raised a record $28,000 to benefit the Chicago Yacht Club’s Sea Scout Ship Privateer. The CYC Cruising Sail Fleet’s Bilge Auction, held in partnership with the CYC Foundation, took place at CYC's Belmont Station on May 20 and demonstrated the generosity of CYC members and friends as well as their support for the oldest Sea Scout Ship in the country.

Nearly 75 people were on hand to bid for more than 50 items donated by Club members and friends. “The reason it’s called a bilge auction is that you’re supposed to reach into your bilge and pull out whatever’s down there that you’re not using anymore,” explained Jerry Gurthet, chair of the Cruising Sail Fleet. 

“We had lots of fenders and sheets but also a full-size raft, really nice electric cords, a dinghy, and some very nice life jackets. We raised a record amount of money for the Sea Scouts––nearly 6 times the previous Bilge Auction record––and based on the feedback I received people also had a really good time,” Jerry added.

Several Sea Scouts were at the event to sell raffle tickets and invite attendees to sponsor various Sea Scout activities and equipment needs. Members bid to be the presenting sponsor for the Scouts’ annual summertime long cruise on Lake Michigan, new life jackets, an annual fall activity, and an end-of-the-year holiday party/awards presentation. 

“To have a successful scouting organization you need committed kids, a supportive charter organization, financial support, and adults that are involved and good leaders,” said Bob Bied, chair of the Sea Scout Committee for the Club. “We’re checking all of those boxes at the Chicago Yacht Club.” 

Bob said proceeds from the Bilge Auction also will be used to pay for professionally coached small boat instruction for the Scouts as well to offset Scouts’ uniform costs. “I think, especially after an event like this, our Scouts realize that the Club and the Foundation are very much behind the operation of our program,” he added.

CYC’s Sea Scout Ship Privateer was chartered with the Boy Scouts of America in the 1920s as part of the Club’s commitment to marine education.

“Both the Club and the Foundation see Sea Scouts as an important part of our mission,” said Greg Miarecki, CYC Foundation president. “The Sea Scouts program aligns with the Foundation’s vision to provide kids with an opportunity to develop skills in boating––and the funds raised through the Bilge Auction will help our Sea Scouts expand their programming and have the equipment necessary to really elevate their scouting and on-the-water experiences.”