OPAL online auction, dinner gala

Published 10:52 am Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A 12-foot “Whitehall” rowing skiff, made in Victoria, B.C., is one of the featured items up for bid in OPAL’s second annual online auction this fall.

“Bidders may find bargains on things they need or would buy anyway, and every dollar goes to support permanently affordable housing on Orcas,” said auction chair Helen Bee.

More than 100 auction items, mainly local goods and services, include wine, restaurant gift certificates, propane, gravel for your driveway, automotive lube jobs, haircuts, massages, pilates, yoga classes, jewelry and crafts, a boat “haul out” at West Sound Marina, local boating trips, a few exotic travel items and several off-island restaurant and lodging choices.

“Whitehall skiffs, described as ‘distinctively elegant and extremely practical, are particularly prized by boating folks,” organizers say. “The skiff was built in 1993 but has been very lightly used and is in great shape.”

The model was called a Tyee-12 at the time it was made, but is now marketed as a Westcoast 11’6” rowboat. It is made from fiberglass, with teak trim, and is rigged to use with either a small outboard motor or spoon oars. While there are potentially two rowing spots, the donor says that it works best with only one rower.  The oars come with the boat, as does a canvas cover and an EZ Loader trailer.

OPAL invites all islanders to bid.

“It’s easy, and the competitive spirit may catch you,” organizers say.

To begin, click the “register” link found at the top center the auction web page.

OPAL’s annual benefit dinner and gala will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, at Orcas Center. Tickets are $125. For reservations, call 376-3191. A “dessert rush” and paddle raise for OPAL will be held at the gala again this year.

OPAL’s only auction this year wil be the online event.