The Edgartown Yacht Club is a historic club located in Edgartown, Massachusetts. Founded in 1905, the club has a long and rich history in the region, with a focus on sailing and boating activities. Over the years, the Edgartown Yacht Club has established itself as a premier destination for boaters and sailing enthusiasts in the area. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of the Edgartown Yacht Club and the improvements that have been made over the years.
History
The Edgartown Yacht Club was founded in 1905 by a group of sailors who were interested in promoting sailing and boating in the region. At the time, Edgartown was a bustling port town, with a thriving fishing industry and a growing number of summer visitors. The founders of the club recognized the potential of the area for sailing and boating and decided to form a club to promote these activities.
The early years of the club were focused on building a community of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for sailing and boating. The club organized regattas and other events to promote sailing and boating in the area, and soon became a popular destination for sailors from all over the region.
In the years that followed, the Edgartown Yacht Club continued to grow and evolve. The club hosted several major sailing events, including the annual ‘Round the Island Race’, which has become a highlight of the summer sailing season in the area. The club also played an important role in the development of the local sailing community, with many members going on to become world-class sailors and boat builders.
Improvements
Over the years, there have been many renovations and improvements, but none so significant as the most recent project, that was completed in 2019. The renowned Architect, Patrick Ahearn, has the most comprehensive information on this renovation, which included raising the clubhouse two feet above the water.
In addition to this recent improvement, past renovations have involved updating and modernizing the building's interior and exterior, adding new dining and social spaces, and improving the club's accessibility for members and guests with disabilities.
In 2012, the club renovated its marina to provide more efficient dockage and storage facilities for members' boats, which added new floating docks and improvement of the marina’s electrical and water systems. The kitchen facilities were updated and modernized in 2016.
Membership Requirements
The Edgartown Yacht Club is a private club that is open to members only. To become a member of the club, an individual must be sponsored by a current member of the club and must be approved by the club’s membership committee. The membership committee reviews each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicant’s sailing and boating experience, as well as their involvement in the local community.
Membership in the Edgartown Yacht Club is highly sought after, and there is often a waiting list for new members. The club has a limited number of memberships available, and the membership committee is very selective in choosing new members.
Once a member of the Edgartown Yacht Club, individuals have access to a wide range of club facilities and activities. These include a clubhouse with dining and social facilities, a private marina with dockage and storage facilities, and a variety of sailing and boating programs and events. There is even a Junior Yacht Club with their own clubhouse and elected officers and committees.
In conclusion, the Edgartown Yacht Club has a long and storied history on the Island, and its members continue to be passionate about sailing and boating around Martha’s Vineyard.
