Yacht club celebrates opening day

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - A local yacht club got a fresh start Saturday as it kicked off another season with a fresh mindset in Cranston.

The Edgewood Yacht Club held opening ceremonies to start off the 2011 summer sailing season Saturday afternoon.

In January, a horrific fire ripped through the yacht club, completely destroying the historic 103-year-old building.

"The yacht club has had a rebirth to come back from a tremendous fire, but today is our re-opening…our celebration of the work we've done," said Edgewood Yacht Club Commodore Jeffrey Lanphear.

Work to rebuild the yacht club is already under way.

A new dock, new bathrooms, and a newly paved lot are just the beginnings to planning for a new club.

"To be able to have the Edgewood Yacht Club be able to kick off the season with sort of a temporary home until it gets back up and running …it's a great day to be here," Cranston Mayor Allan Fung enthusiastically commented.

The new building is slate to resemble the one that was lost in the fire on January 12th.

For now, however, a tent serves as a temporary pavilion for the members.

Over 200 members have signed up for the upcoming sailing season with 13 new boats set to dock.