The annual Hardheads Bolivar Rig Run sailboat race achieved success again this year, drawing elite sailing talent from across the country, and raising thousands of dollars for local education.
During a presentation ceremony, event organizer Jim Denys presented two local schools—High Island ISD and Crenshaw Environmental Science Magnet School—with checks to fund critical classroom and kindergarten upgrades.
High Island ISD Superintendent Misti Smith accepted a check for $1,950. The funds were advanced early in the summer to ensure the school’s kindergarten classrooms could be fully remodeled and set up before students arrived.
Crenshaw Environmental Science Magnet School Principal Traci Camp accepted a check for $1,950. The money will directly fund a brand-new math curriculum, including classroom bookshelves to hold core textbooks per class.
The Bolivar Rig Run has solidified its reputation as a must-attend event for the sailing community. The race saw 48 boats on the water, with sailors traveling from Alabama, Oklahoma, and across Texas.
Renowned sailor Jane Sherrard finished first on a small Hobie Wave, passing up a national event in Iowa just to compete. Two-time winner Dylan Tomko missed this year’s race while training for the Olympics.
Denys credited the event’s financial success to a dedicated volunteer hospitality team, local sponsors, and a spike in community participation. Friday night’s Captain’s Dinner saw a 50% increase in raffle ticket sales thanks to donated prizes, duffel bags, and gift cards from annual sponsors like Villas At Bolivar and Remax On The Water.
While past years’ proceeds benefited organizations like the Bolivar Arena Association, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse, and the Sheriff’s Department, annual sponsor Wendy Dozier suggested targeting local schools this year.
Denys closed the ceremony by thanking the Port Arthur Yacht Club for regularly bringing out competing boats, urging attendees to save the date for next August, and asking the school leaders to “send pictures of the new math curriculum and the kindergarten.”
