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The Edgartown Yacht Club has played a leading role in perpetuating the maritime tradition of Martha’s Vineyard and Edgartown.
Edgartown Yacht ClubAt the turn of the twentieth century, many prominent summer and permanent residents belonged to the Home Club. The clubhouse, formerly the home of Captain Alexander Fisher, an old time whaler, still stands at 7 South Water Street (and is part of the Harborside Inn property). It was open year-round. Among the Home Club’s treasures was the masthead light of Admiral Cervera’s flagship, which was sunk off the southern coast of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. In the summertime the Home Club sponsored races for the large cabin catboats, which were without auxiliary power, and carried much larger spars and sails than are usual today.
At a meeting on January 5th, 1905, the racing members of the Home Club decided to establish a separate organization and the Edgartown Yacht Club was founded later that year.
In 1990, the Club’s Flag Officers led by Commodore S. Bailey Norton, Jr., presented to the Board of Trustees a plan and opportunity to purchase an adjoining property of land, building and docks located at 15 - 21 Dock Street. The main intention of the purchase was the plan to move the Junior Yacht Club and Junior Sailing headquarters from its Dock Street parking lot location into larger quarters with direct water access and docks. Following a period of planning and extensive renovations, the new Junior Yacht Club facility was commissioned with great fanfare on July 6th, 1996. For generations to come, the Club’s junior sailors will benefit from the wisdom and foresight of Commodore Norton.
Thus, the Club carries on as the members observe the traditions of the past and through continuous effort and participation, nourish and enhance the rich heritage for present and future generations.
