Punta Gorda Boat Club explores new facilities for youth sailing program

The Punta Gorda Boat Club is seeking continued support from the city to enhance its youth sailing program, which serves approximately 8,100 children annually. During a recent council workshop, representatives highlighted the challenges they face due to limited space and resources. Currently, the program operates out of a former gas station site, where equipment is stored in a makeshift area, making it difficult to accommodate the growing number of participants.

To address these limitations, the Boat Club has proposed the creation of a landscaped, enclosed area for additional boats and materials. This would allow for better organization and more effective training for the kids, particularly in learning how to rig sails. The club has been working closely with city staff to explore this possibility and is hopeful for a positive outcome.

Additionally, discussions included the potential construction of a tiki hut to provide shelter and facilities for the program. The estimated cost for an 8,000 square foot tiki hut ranges from $480,000 to $800,000, depending on the materials used. This structure would not only serve as a classroom but also include essential amenities like electricity and water, further enhancing the program's capacity to serve local youth.

The Boat Club expressed gratitude for the city's ongoing support and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of these developments for the future of their sailing initiatives. As the city considers these proposals, the community looks forward to improved facilities that will enrich the experiences of young sailors in Punta Gorda.