Atlantic Outboard’s 7th Annual Duck Island Raft Party Draws More Than 3,000 Attendees and Raises $20,500 for APK Charities
Westbrook, Connecticut. – August 1, 2026
Atlantic Outboard welcomed more than 500 boats and an estimated 3,000 people to the 7th Annual Duck Island Raft Party on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing the boating community together for one of the largest celebrations of the summer on Long Island Sound.
This year’s event also made a significant impact off the water, raising $20,500 for APK Charities, a Connecticut-based nonprofit supporting active-duty, retired, wounded and fallen service members and their families.
$10,250 was raised for the event; Atlantic Outboard matched 100% of the donations, bringing the total amount to $20,500.
Held near Duck Island off the coast of Westbrook, the annual raft party has grown into a highly anticipated summer tradition, bringing boaters together for an afternoon of live music, giveaways, floating, and community.
The 2026 event featured an American theme to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. Boats throughout the anchorage were decked out in red, white and blue as attendees embraced the patriotic theme and competed for Best Dressed Boat.
Live music was provided by The Take, with this year’s event also introducing an FM broadcast on 101.5 FM, allowing boaters throughout the anchorage to hear the music and event announcements directly from their boats.
$20,500 Raised for APK Charities
At the heart of this year’s event was the boating community’s support for APK Charities.
Through donations and fundraising surrounding the Duck Island Raft Party, $20,500 was raised and donated to the organization to help further its mission of providing financial assistance and meaningful support to service members, veterans, and military families.
Fundraising efforts included donations and a variety of giveaways contributed by local businesses, marine industry partners, and event supporters.
A Community Effort
The scale of the Duck Island Raft Party would not be possible without the businesses, organizations, municipalities, and individuals who help support the event each year.
Atlantic Outboard extends its appreciation to Kellogg Marine Supply, Pursuit Boats, Tiara Yachts, Bill’s Seafood, Leon’s Pizza, Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, Saybrook Point, Westbrook Bed & Breakfast, Cafe Laurel, Bradley & Wall, Suzuki, Captain Stannard House, Mesco, Captain Jack Sparrow/Tucker Reynolds of Lighthouse Signs, the Westbrook Police and Fire Department, Clinton Police Department and Saltwater Sons for helping make the 2026 event a success.
Atlantic Outboard also thanks the hundreds of boaters, families and friends who participated, donated and helped continue the tradition of making the Duck Island Raft Party about more than just a day on the water.
With more than 500 boats, approximately 3,000 attendees and $20,500 raised for APK Charities, the 2026 event marked another memorable chapter for the growing shoreline tradition. The annual event has now raised more than $63,000 for charitable organizations since its inception.
$20,500 raised. One amazing boating community. One great cause.
About Atlantic Outboard
Atlantic Outboard is a family-owned, full-service marine dealership headquartered in Westbrook, Connecticut, serving boaters throughout Connecticut. The company offers new and pre-owned boat sales, outboard sales and repowers, marine service, parts, storage, and marina services.
