Sailing club reaching out for funding.

Byline: Catherine Sudue

WORCESTER - Although the junior membership program at Regatta Point Community Sailing recently ended for the season, junior member Sarah Goldstein is still aboard for the organization's coming projects, including volunteering for its annual fundraiser.

The 16-year-old Shrewsbury High School student has been sailing with the Regatta Point organization for four years, and hopes more people will join.

"I hope that the programs are able to continue and more people join because it's a lot of fun. If it expanded there would be a lot of people there and a good experience for them," she said.

The 46-year-old organization is doing what it can to bring in more members from the area. On Sept. 18, it will hold its first substantial fundraiser in more than eight years at Regatta Point Community Sailing, 10 North Lake Ave.

The proceeds will help cover the cost of new sailing equipment and the maintenance fees for existing equipment. It also will fund scholarships for people who would like to sail. The organization, with an annual budget of about $100,000, hopes to raise $10,000.

"We ask parents to pay as much as they can afford," said executive director John Mullaney. "If they can afford half of the cost, it's OK. If they can't afford any of the cost, that's OK, too."

Dr. Robert M. Quinlan, a surgeon at UMass Memorial Medical Center, will speak about his experience circumnavigating Greenland

and sailing the Arctic Circle.

"We always get grants," said Susan DeLiddo, a fundraiser coordinator. "We've never really reached out into communities, and so many people in the Worcester community got their start (here) in sailing. This fundraiser is being put on by folks that just want to give back to the club."

Mr. Mullaney said Regatta Point has grown to include 200 youth members, on staff or as participants.

Also, 160 adults are members and participants in the summer and fall programs.

The organization offers three children's programs and four adult programs, including beginner and advanced group classes and an adult racing series. Program costs range from a $65 Deckhands membership to a $600 annual family membership.

"Our mission is to provide sailing for as wide of a base as we can," Mr. Mullaney said. "We've never said no to any child who has wanted to participate in our programs. The youngest child we've had sailing on the lake was 7 years old. Essentially, lessons are offered to people who don't know how to sail, and advanced (lessons) to people who do."

One major program at Regatta Point during the summer is the Kids Summer Camp, which caters to children 9 and older. The majority of their days include swimming, sailing, kayaking and playing games.

The other popular program is junior membership. Junior members, 13 and older, are allowed to go sailing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays in July and August.

In addition to summer programs, Regatta Point offers classes to Worcester State College students who receive credits as part of a health class requirement. Also, the sailing organization serves as a sailing spot for Worcester Night Life and Assabet After Dark classes.

"My expectation is for us to have a group of community leaders who will have fun and socialize, but will also realize what it is that we are trying to do and become committed to supporting the organization so that we are able to continue to provide services to the greater Worcester community," Mr. Mullaney said.