15th “Almost Annual” CBYC Flotilla Is March 26 at Miss Vie’s Campground

Guy Benjamin students are all smiles on a dinghy ride at last year’s flotilla.

For the past 15 years, the Coral Bay Yacht Club has hosted one of the most anticipated beach parties on the island almost annually, and always for a great cause.

Benefitting Guy Benjamin School, CBYC’s 15th “Almost Annual” Flotilla will be on Saturday, March 26, at Miss Vie’s Campground. While CBYC officials may have missed one or two years over the past 15, mark those calendars now because a full day of sailing — or driving — music, food and fun is certainly in store.

If tantalizing West Indian food prepared by the Coral Bay elementary school’s teachers and parents, fresh grilled hotdogs and hamburgers prepared by Chef Will and exciting raffle prizes aren’t enticing enough, then come to the party for the music.

The island’s premier reggae band Inner Visions will perform at the flotilla this year and is sure to draw a huge crowd, explained CBYC Commodore David Dostall.

In years past the flotilla was hosted on an off-shore cay, but CBYC officials moved the location to the East End several years ago giving party-goers the chance to drive to the fund raiser as well.

But sailing over is still an option, Dostall added.

“Some of the most beautiful boats offer a great deal on a day sail over to and back from the party,” said Dostall.

 

Children and adults alike have fun in the waves at last year’s flotilla.

Only $40 gets one a sail over to the East End aboard a CBYC member’s vessel, lunch at the beach, live entertainment by Inner Visions and a sunset sail back to Coral Bay harbor.

“It’s only $40 for all that,” said Dostall. “You can’t go wrong.”

Flotilla-goers sailing over should meet at the Coral Bay dinghy dock at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure out to the party. GBS students certainly start the flotilla day off right by enjoying a sail aboard Coral Bay’s tall ship Silver Cloud.

“The kids always love sailing over with Elliot aboard Silver Cloud,” Dostall said.

Those not interested in sailing are welcome to drive out to Miss Vie’s Campground and pay only $20 for lunch and entertainment. Gates open at noon and the afternoon will also feature a raffle for the chance to win exciting prizes, including $500 in cash.

Bring those bathing suits and beach toys too. The almost annual flotilla always entices children and adults to have fun in the waves.

“Come out and hang out all afternoon,” said Dostall. “Dance in the sand, listen to Inner Visions, eat some great food and win some raffle prizes, all while supporting education.”

For more information or to make a donation to the CBYC Flotilla benefitting GBS call Dostall at 643-2630.

Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School students enjoyed a sail around Coral Bay’s tall ship Silver Cloud at last year’s flotilla.