Kids’ race planned for this year’s regatta
By JOSELYN KINGArticle Photos
Local youths will get the chance to build - and maybe even race - their own flat bottom boats as part of the Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta.
Regatta Director Debbie Joseph announced Thursday that Sea Quest Kids, a nonprofit group from Newark, Del., will play a part in the event set for Aug. 30-31 at Wheeling's Heritage Port.
Sea Quest Kids is described as the largest boat building and water safety program for children in the United States. Beginning Aug. 27, local children between the ages of 3 and 18 may take part in one of five sessions at Heritage Port - during which they will assist in the building of 10-foot, flat-bottom boats made of wood.
Weather permitting, the youths then will be invited back to race the boats as part of the regatta's weekend festivities.
One of the building sessions will be designated for special needs children, Joseph noted, and this fits in with the regatta's commitment to the Easter Seals organization. During the past two years, the regatta has donated $3,400 to Easter Seals, according to Joseph.
"Therapists will be there to turn the sessions into therapy sessions for them," she said. "It's something they may not get to do at any other time in their life."
All the children who participate will receive education in boating safety and the safe use of tools while building and painting their crafts, and there will be no charge to participate.
Sea Quest Kids is comprised just of founder Steve Gronka and one other person he will bring with him, Joseph said. They will bring the needed tools with them, but wood and other supplies will be purchased locally.
Volunteers will be needed for the sessions, which will be set for the following times:
- 1-5:30 p.m. Aug. 27
- 3:30-6 p.m. Aug. 28
- 12:30-3 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Aug. 29
- 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 30
Volunteers also will be needed when the youths return and the finished boats are put on the water from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 30-31.
Both volunteers and children wishing to participate should register now at wheelingvintageregatta.com, or by calling Joseph at 304-233-4738.
The regatta also is seeking sponsors for Sea Quest Kids, who will be asked to contribute a $375 fee. Those wishing to donate should contact Joseph.
