About us
WHERE WE BEGANIn 1938, the Manatee River Boat Club (MRBC) was organized on the Ninth Street steps at the Bradenton pier. The MRBC formed the Manatee River Pram Fleet for the youth of Manatee County in the late 1940’s. A small shed was set aside to house the prams and have a place for a teaching program that would show local children the fundamentals of sailing.
Read more about our history in a 2017 article written by Merab Favorite, a graduate of MRPF Summer Camp. |
WHERE WE ARE NOWThe construction of the new Bishop Sailing Center in 2016 provided an opportunity for growth at the Manatee River Pram Fleet. Combined with an easier launching area, the new space has allowed for more diverse sailing opportunities and increased class sizes. While the Opti is still our main boat, our fleet has grown to include O'Bic, Laser, Sunfish, 420 and Windmill boats. The new facilities offer us a chance to use technology with our sailors for increased tactical learning and enhanced land-based activities. While the building and site location may have changed, the heart and soul of the program remain steady thanks to the dedication of Director of Sailing, Lisa Fath, who has been with the Pram Fleet for over thirty years.
|
Top: Sailors rigging boats and sailing out of the cut.
Bottom: Dr. King & Pam Blalock say goodbye to "The Shed" prior to the opening of the new Bishop Sailing Center. |
YOUTH PROGRAMS
|
BISHOP SAILING CENTER |