ROCKPORT — The Penobscot Bay YMCA 19th Annual Ned Kyle Boat Auction is scheduled for Saturday, June 11. The event is the brainchild of Ned Kyle who came up with the idea and single-handedly gave it life from 1997-2006. It took him a full year to get the first auction organized, train staff and find enough boats to hold the first auction in June of 1998.

Ned Kyle has since passed away and the event's success continues in his memory due to dedicated volunteers including the boat auction committee: Bill Leone, Larry Lehmann, Marty Taylor and led by Jim Bowditch and Neale Sweet. Ed Hurlburt and Mike Devine of Chater's Boatyard in Camden, continue to generously donate their time to transport donated boats to the Y.

Since the first auction in 1998, this major fundraising event has raised over $500,000 to provide much needed financial assistance kids to attend the Y's Summer Camp Program as well as help all neighbors in need. The Y's mission of keeping its services accessible to everyone regardless of financial capacity and is anchored firmly in its commitment to social responsibility.

From rowboats to sailboats, to dinghy’s, and so much more, the Y at 116 Union Street in Rockport is the place to be for boat lovers. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the auction begins at 10 a.m.

Check out their list of auction items at penbayymca.org. For more information please call Marcia Roberts, Development Director at the Y. 207-236-3375, ext. 209.