The Fair Haven River Rats, a 70-year-old non-profit educational sailing club on the Navesink River, recently celebrated a successful sailing season with an end-of-summer lobster dinner. The outdoor event, held at the organization’s headquarters on Battin Road and a long-standing tradition, is something everyone looks forward to. Adult and junior sailors, sailing instructors, volunteers, friends, family and supporters gathered for a last hurrah before cold weather starts setting in.
River Rats Skipper Jill Lynch recognized the volunteers and sailing instructors that drive the organization forward and also praised the strong performances of junior sailors in The Junior Sweepstakes Regatta, held August 4-7 at Monmouth Boat Club.
“We are beaming with pride over the victories of our junior sailors. River Rats believes that sailing is a great tool for personal development and growth and seeing these young sailors develop is very rewarding,” Skipper Jill noted. Junior sailors recognized include Alfred John Schiavetti (A.J.), Miles Kolarsick, Jimmy Stigliano, and Logan Demsack. River Rats believes everyone can benefit from learning to sail and also offers an adult sailing program that has attracted people of all ages and walks of life. “This is part of our mission,” noted Skipper Lynch.
Taught by seasoned sailor J.P. Polubiec, the classes combine textbook learning with on-the-water practice sessions, allowing students to gain valuable ‘hands-on’ experience with River Rats-owned boats. Students praised the program along with their instructor. “J.P.’s warmth, kindness, generosity and enthusiasm fostered a friendly, fascinating and truly welcoming environment for students of all abilities and experience levels. I am so glad I took the adult sailing class. I have always wanted to sail but feared the opportunity had passed me by. I found this class after saying one too many times that I was too old and too scared to learn,” stated Vicki Boardman, a Rumson native.
Sharon Luba, a Bradley Beach resident, agreed and related to experiencing hesitation due to age, which the instructor quickly dispelled. “I was hesitant being the oldest in the class, but I learned a lot and felt very comfortable. The class was great,” Luba said, adding, “I will probably take the course again to gain confidence and experience for the actual sailing part of the class.”
For more information on the programs offered by River Rats, visit the website:
www.riverratssailing.org
About River Rats
River Rats, Inc. is a 70-year-old non-profit educational sailing club on the Navesink River, which is fully operated and maintained by volunteers. The organization provides both a junior sailing program and an adult sailing program.
Membership is not needed to take part in the classes; however, members receive substantial discounts and have first priority. In addition to the sailing programs, River Rats provides social events and a racing series for members, in addition to opportunities to join invitational regattas with other sailing clubs.
River Rats is a member of U.S. Sailing and the North Jersey Yacht Racing Association. The
flagship youth sailing program has trained over 5,000 children to date, and the adult training program allows entire families to learn to sail together. River Rats is an affordable, friendly and welcoming organization whose members are drawn together by a love of sailing.
The address is 120 Battin Road, Fair Haven, N.J. 07704. Mooring space is available for members along with berths for kayaks and paddle boards with a full schedule of seasonal social events, including fun sailing races and BBQ nights.
The 3 primary goals of River Rats are to promote aquatic activities amongst
children and their families; to offer training that emphasizes and prioritizes safety;
and to provide facilities to accomplish these goals, which also include social
events for both members and the greater community.
COVER PHOTO: The Sun Sets Over The Navesink As The River Rats Celebrate A
Successful Sailing Season