Bid on a Yacht at the Oct. 20 West/Rhode Riverkeeper Benefit

The West/Rhode Riverkeeper’s office does a lot of things to help the two rivers, which are tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Of course the rivers can’t thank them for the work. Technically, rivers can’t talk—or even ask for help. Not literally, anyway. But figuratively, a river can get sick and show symptoms of what ails it: too many nutrients, too little oxygen, fish kills, evidence of bacteria.

The riverkeeper can read these signs and symptoms and either try to find steps to reverse the problem or warn the public not to swim or fish for a while.

That is what a riverkeeper does. That’s what the West/Rhode Riverkeeper’s office does. They translate “river” to American Standard English for the rest of us. Each week, they test the waters, they look for sources of pollution and runoff and work with the community, businesses and government to find solutions.

Unfortunately, the river doesn’t pay the riverkeepers for all this work. So, they have to do something that they probably aren’t crazy about. They have to host fundraisers and hope that people who live around the river will come and support their work and allow them to carry on.

That is what is happening at the Two Rivers Harvest Benefit on Oct. 20 at Galesville Memorial Hallin Galesville. The event is a fundraiser for the West/Rhode Riverkeeper’s office.

Berth inside the Blue Mist.

It should be a fun evening of visiting with friends and neighbors while helping a good cause.

There will be music from Rob Levit Trio and food from Whole Foods. There will be wine and plenty of time to chat with the folks from the Riverkeeper’s office about the work they have done and what they plan to do in the coming year.

There will also be an auction. I may go a little over the top about this first item because I am imagining how fun it would be to own such a boat. But let’s have a look at the “Blue Mist,” a 52′ yacht. She is a fully restored 1917 Charles Seabury and Company Speedway Commuter Yacht.

Blue Mist will be up for auction.

Oooohhh—she is a beauty and worth over $100,000. This lovely vessel was donated by Alex and Donna Schlegel to the West Rhode Riverkeeper after being rebuilt by the Hartge Yacht Yard. With three cabins and one head, the yacht sleeps at least four in two single and one double berth. A single diesel engine has her cruising at 9 to 14 knots.

The wheelhouse, accessed easily by port and starboard sliding doors makes

Inside the Blue Mist.

docking a breeze. Just think about bringing your vessel into port using that striking bronze wheel. In the galley, varnished ash makes for a breathtaking space with gourmet island, deep sinks and ample counter space.

Yes, this is the kind of vessel Mr. Howell would have bought for Lovey, had they not been stuck on the island.

Bid early and often to get your hands on this baby.

Also available at the auction:

• Ravens tickets
• Photo session with Freckle Photography/Alison Harbaugh
• Bushel of Crabs
• Landscape Consult
• Yoga Sessions
• Charter Fishing Trip
• Glassblowing Lessons at Lillie Pad Studios
• Sailing Dinghy
• Arena Stage Tickets
• Cooking Class
• $250 gift certificate from Ron George Jewelers
• and more!

Order tickets here. $35 for advance purchase; $40 at the door.