NEWPORT, RI (WLNE) – The 12 Meter Yacht Club – a club of historic large boats wanted to take their passion out of the water and put it in the hands of others. Over the past two months, they have organized a few events to help people, both locally and internationally.
“The 12 meter class and the yacht club feel very fortunate and we would like to give back and share our love of sailing, our history and our passion,” Peggy Hersam, executive director of the 12 Meter Yacht Club, said said.
In early June, they held a fundraising run for Ukraine, which raised $20,000 for medical supplies for the country. It was something boat owners and crews were proud to do.
“It was a big hit and something we achieved in a short time,” added Hersam.
On Friday, the club teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of East Providence and Newport, bringing local children to the new downtown sailing museum to learn about the sport, and the local yacht club, which invited them.
“It’s all about partnership and collaboration and it’s going to take all of us building the sport and creating opportunities and we’re thrilled to be a part of that,” said Heather Ruhsam, executive director of the Sailing Museum.
Bringing local kids and giving them access to the popular shoreline sport is something the 12 Meter Yacht club wants to do more of.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity, especially for me and my kids, for our program, for the Boys and Girls Club,” said Charles Smith, the Boys and Girls Club’s Teen Outreach and Development Officer. Newport girls.
For more information on the 12 Meter Yacht Club, or to find out how to donate, click here.
