Festival puts $25,000 toward new sails for Bay sailing program

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival has a history of funding local arts initiatives. On Thursday, Oct. 29, the organization directed that spending toward a new waterfront project.

The festival contributed nearly $25,000 to purchase seven custom-made sails. Each sail measures approximately 8 feet along the foot, 20 feet along the mast, and 21 feet along the leech. The equipment is designed for seven 20-foot keelboats used in the organization's sailing courses.

The sails feature artwork from the festival’s annual poster collection. Designs included on the new equipment are by internationally recognized artists Guy Harvey and Romero Britto. The sails also display branding for both the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and Shake-A-Leg Miami.

The new sails will support Shake-A-Leg’s sailing instruction, vocational activities, and community programs on Biscayne Bay. The event, titled “Seven Sails for Seven Seas,” took place along the waterfront at Shake-A-Leg Miami. A reception followed the unveiling to celebrate the partnership between the two Coconut Grove nonprofits.

Pamela Mayer, board chairwoman of the festival, said the board wanted a contribution that would serve the community in a lasting way. “These sails bring compelling festival art onto the bay while helping Shake-A-Leg Miami continue its work. It’s a natural partnership between two organizations deeply rooted in Coconut Grove,” she said.

Harry Horgan, co-founder and CEO of Shake-A-Leg Miami, said the organization was planning to appeal to local sponsors for new sails. “We are always in need of updated equipment, sails, in particular. In fact, we were working on a plan to appeal to local individuals and organizations to sponsor the sails. This was turnkey, and right on time!” he said. Horgan noted that the organization serves more than 8,000 individuals annually from its historic 1932 seaplane hangar.

Shake-A-Leg Miami’s accessible fleet includes 26 sailboats and 60 kayaks. The organization offers programs for people with a wide range of disabilities, veterans, and their families. The festival’s recent contributions also include a $10,000 grant to Comic Kids. The next annual festival is scheduled for Feb. 13-15, 2027.