friends of elvira
For more than a century, Elvira has been part of the story of Bellport and the Great South Bay. Today, she continues to sail - not as a museum piece, but as a living vessel introducing new generations to our maritime heritage.
Join friends of BHVP at the John Chester Memorial Boathouse at the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society for a fun evening celebrating Elvira, historic vessels and helping preserve Bellport's maritime heritage
Community
- Over 100 community members sailed about Elvira in 2025
- 35 public and educational sailing events
- Regular participant in Bellport racing
- Winner of the 2025 Queen of the Bay Classic
- As BHVP is operated entirely by volunteers, every donation goes directly towards preservation and community sailing
Preserve
Your generous support allows for the ongoing professional maintenance of our historical vessels over the winter, allowing them to be enjoyed now and for future generations to come
Restoring Elvira
Thanks to donor generosity, Elvira returns to the water this summer with a full rigging overhaul - new boom, gaff, blocks, lines - plus a brand new main and jib, retiring sails that have served her since 1967