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In an emotional gathering that took place on March 12th at the Casa de Campo Yacht Club, a significant act of social responsibility benefiting Dominican nautical education occurred. The 33-foot long sailboat, Marlyn, was handed over as a donation to the National Dominican Naval Volunteers Foundation (FUNAVAD).

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. William Kargman, a renowned philanthropist in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, who, alongside his daughter Kathryn Kargman, symbolically handed over the sailboat to the president of FUNAVAD, Dr. Eduardo Read Estrella. Kargman, a resident of the Casa de Campo community for over 40 years, has been a consistent contributor of resources to the region and various community projects, such as the MIR Foundation, among others.

Roberto Ortiz, Armando D’Alessandro, Dr. Eduardo Read, William Kargman, Ing. Miguel Berroa, Arq. Héctor Duval and vice admiral Miguel Peña Acosta.

Among the attendees were members of the Foundation’s board of directors, a delegation of the Dominican Naval Auxiliaries, as well as naval authorities from the eastern region of the country, including the Navy commander and the La Romana port commander. Also vice admiral Miguel Peña Acosta. Were presents notable figures in the Casa de Campo community, such as Mrs. Jeannette Sánchez de López. All guests shared in a relaxed atmosphere during the cocktail offered by FUNAVAD.

The event, which concluded after 5:00 in the afternoon, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the sailboat Marlyn, which will be transported to Cumayasa to commence its educational mission. Here, sailing navigation and maritime safety courses will be provided to youth nationwide, within the framework of teaching sponsored by the Dominican Sailing Federation.

In this picture Roberto Ortiz, CN Matos Sánchez, Wlliam Kargman, vicelmirante Miguel Peña Acosta, CN Ricardo
Reyes and Simón López.

The donation of the sailboat Marlyn not only represents a generous gesture by Mr. William Kargman and his family but also a firm commitment to the training of new generations of sailors aware of the importance of preserving the marine environment. With this acquisition, FUNAVAD contributes a grain of sand to the development of sailing in the Dominican Republic.

About the Dominican Naval Auxiliaries:

The Dominican Naval Auxiliaries are a uniformed civilian volunteer body that assists the Dominican Navy in search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and promoting maritime safety for recreational boaters, fishermen, and seafarers.

Photos and text courtesy of FUNAVAD.