Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club

The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club was created in 1895 by act of the Maine Legislature following formative years dating back to 1870. In 1907 a clubhouse was rented in Boothbay Harbor and this club became a racing and social center for the active summer colony, with many yacht clubs visiting. In 1938, the club voted to adopt a 21'-class sailboat, the "Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club One Design" class designed by Geerd Hendel. Many are still sailing and racing today and new boats are once again being manufactured. In the 1990's a class of j22's was introduced. The Junior Sailing Program was established in 1954, with youngsters initially sailing in Turnabouts. The Club has hosted many regional regattas, and turned out many accomplished sailors. When the inner harbor became too crowded for racing, the Club leased the former Oake Grove Casino, with the young sailors enjoying both Turnabouts and One Designs. The Junior Sailing programs today use Opti's and 420's. The increased activities at the Club and within the inner harbor prompted the move to the present West Harbor location. A new clubhouse was built adjoining the Casino, which opened in 1968, and was enlarged in 1980. The tennis program was introduced in 1976 on adjacent courts built and owned by former Commodore George Whitten. In 1993 the club bought the courts and the adjacent building, which houses the West Boothbay Harbor Post Office. In 2000, the club undertook a major renovation of the buildings; the roof was raised and the interior completely redesigned and renovated. The result is an attractive and well-appointed facility, which provides excellent boating and dining services to the club's 325 members, and visitors, with launch service through the season to an extensive mooring area. The Club maintains a prominent role in yacht racing, with two series of weekly J22 and One Design Races with stiff competition. In 1987 the Commodore's Cup series of weekend races were initiated as a racing forum for cruising sailboats, which large fleets participating. Since 1974, the Club has sponsored a Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association regatta, a two day event drawing boats from all over Maine. Members also participate in a great variety of events at the Club, and in several summer cruises. The renovated clubhouse has extended the summer season, stretching activities through spring and into the fall.

Find more information at

• http://learn-to-sail.org/