New Bedford Yacht Club
Founded in 1877, the New Bedford Yacht Club was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on January 25, 1878 “for the purpose of encouraging athletic exercises, yachting and especially by maintaining a Club house”. The first Clubhouse was on Fish Island, but in 1879 the Club moved to larger quarters on Pope’s Island. The second house was a two and a half story Victorian structure built over the water on pilings.
Then, as now, the Club represented diverse boating interests. Charter members were from New Bedford and Fairhaven and were either enthusiastic oarsmen who had participated in rowing races on the Acushnet River and elsewhere, or yachtsmen, pleasure sailors who had enjoyed the lively competition and ideal sailing conditions in New Bedford Harbor and Buzzards Bay. Both cruising and racing were important to early New Bedford yachtsmen.
Currently the New Bedford Yacht Club squadron includes sail, motor boats, and once again, a racing shell. A full schedule of racing, cruising, and social events is maintained. As the second oldest yacht club in continuous operation on Buzzards Bay and the tenth oldest New England, the Club continues to fulfill its original statement of purpose
Then, as now, the Club represented diverse boating interests. Charter members were from New Bedford and Fairhaven and were either enthusiastic oarsmen who had participated in rowing races on the Acushnet River and elsewhere, or yachtsmen, pleasure sailors who had enjoyed the lively competition and ideal sailing conditions in New Bedford Harbor and Buzzards Bay. Both cruising and racing were important to early New Bedford yachtsmen.
Currently the New Bedford Yacht Club squadron includes sail, motor boats, and once again, a racing shell. A full schedule of racing, cruising, and social events is maintained. As the second oldest yacht club in continuous operation on Buzzards Bay and the tenth oldest New England, the Club continues to fulfill its original statement of purpose