In three short weeks, Clinton Sailing Club will be ready to launch. Founder Alan Felgate, who is preparing for a final fundraising push, couldn’t be happier.

“Clinton Sailing Club’s first day is Monday, June 27,” he said. “We have 156 kids enrolled, including 12 scholarships—or ‘sailorships’—going to Clinton kids ages 8 to 17. We’re glad to be able to offer these scholarships as part of our goal to make sailing available to all kids, regardless of income level. They give children in need the opportunity to learn to sail, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Scholarships, which were awarded on May 23, were made possible by the Eadie family (given in memory of Ken Pendleton), Madison Academy of Music, Sheila and James McArdle, Dr. Lauren Beebe (given in her memory by her friends), Happy Sailing, Westbrook Elks, Blakeslee Prestress, and Families Helping Families and Clinton Lions—both of which donated multiple scholarships.

“CSC’s goal was to create a program open to all local kids ages 8 to 18, regardless of income level,” said Felgate. “Generous donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community made it possible. We are very pleased to be able to offer a dozen scholarships our first year, and we hope to significantly increase the number next year. Ultimately we envision a large part of our enrollment to be scholarship-based.”

CSC has raised $45,446 to date—91 percent of its $50,000 goal—and is working to raise an additional $4,554.

Felgate says CSC’s final equipment purchase will be two new 20hp, four-stroke electric-start power-tilt outboard motors. The motors, which will be used for the club’s two coaching boats, ensure that the vessels are safe, fast, and reliable. Each outboard motor costs about $4,000.

“We are so close, and we’re hoping the community can help us reach our goal this weekend,” says Felgate. “CSC has 674 Facebook friends, and if each one donated $10, we would hit our target. Any donation at all can make a big difference; it all adds up.”

Donations may be made online at paypal.me/clintonsail/40 or mailed to Lorie Eadie, Treasurer, Clinton Sailing Club, 11 Hide a Way, Clinton, CT 06413.