Shortly after a fluke Spring windstorm destroyed almost all of the boats being used by New Bedford Community Rowing, a group of rowing enthusiasts from this end of the South Coast started talking about how they might help the young program recover from the disaster.

The result of those conversations: A wine- and oyster-tasting gala to be held this Friday, Aug. 12, in Tabor Academy's Fireman Center.

The event will feature oysters from four local growers: Buzzards Bay Oysters of Marion, Indian Cove Aquaculture of Onset, Billingsgate Shellfish Farms of Wellfleet, and Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms of Cuttyhunk.

Representatives from Mass Aquaculture will be on hand to teach attendees how to shuck an oyster and provide other oyster information.

In addition, there will be wine pairings selected by Martignetti Liquors, lots of non-oyster food, live harp music, a silent auction, and a boat christening.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and festivities continue until what organizers describe as "8-ish."

Tickets are $50 a person and may be purchased at the door. An advance rsvp to carolyn@communityrowing.org is appreciated but not required.

New Bedford Community Rowing is, in the words of Director Carolyn McGonagle, "a non-profit rowing club focused on changing the socio-economic barriers felt by the inner-city youth of New Bedford." NBCR offers learn-to-row, recreational, and competitive programs for residents of all ages and all walks of life from throughout the region.

This summer's rowing has been made possible through the loan of boats by Tabor and Cape Cod Rowing. Friday's tasting and other fund-raising efforts are intended to allow the program to buy some used boats, referred to by rowers as "shells," to call its own.

Full disclosure: Sippican Week publisher Anne Eisenmenger is among the rowing-enthusiast event organizers.