76 Years of Growth

1927 - The late Geoffrey L. Moore and the late Sydney B. Alling laid the groundwork for the Westerly Yacht Club in a chance meeting at the steps of the Westerly Post Office.

1928 - The official beginning was one year after, July 30, 1928 at 8:00 p.m.. At that time, the unincorporated associated of 28 men started to incorporate and form the Westerly Yacht Club. The activities of the Club during its infancy included speedboat races (authorized by the American Power Boat Association), cruises, dances, and parades. The Sea Scout Ship, Adm. H. O. Dunn contributed too much of the success of the Yacht Club during those early years. Many members of the ship helped with construction of the original Yacht Club building. The ship was recognized in 1983 by the Boy Scouts of America as the longest tenured ship in Narragansett Council.

1932 - Expansion was only a few years away with the solicitation of new members during May. At that time, the Club waived the initiation fee of fifteen dollars and solicited members for the nominal fee of ten dollars.

1933 - The Yacht Club operated seasonally from 1928 through 1949, with many events scheduled from May 30 through late fall. During the summer of 1933, House Committee Chairman Frank Furness furnished weekly films on Wednesday evenings that took members to far remote places in the world.

1934 - Launching national recognition of the Westerly Yacht Club in 1934 was Dan Larkin, Jr., Stanley Higginbotham, and Dick Burnett. In that year they won the Rhode Island State Junior Sailing Championship for the third time and raced for the national title in Edgartown, Massachusetts. On May 9, the formal opening of the season was held with 35 members present. Manifesting to the growing popularity of the Club was the acceptance of 29 new members.

1936 - On May 22, the Yacht Club opened for the season with the first of eight social functions. The individual cost per function was 49 cents. Efforts were made to give each member and guest of the Club a good time. Moonlight sails highlighted the season, along with the first Fleet Review.

1940 - During the early 40's and World War II, the Club was on shaky ground. Good leadership and foresight of the Board of Directors kept the Club growing.

1941 - Yachting season opened May 30 with 22 new members aboard. The gala opening consisted of a regatta and open house. A month later, boat owners showed the way to Rhode Island's amateur yachtsmen by organizing a flotilla to become part of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They enrolled their crafts to be used as a reserve force for the Coast Guard in times of emergency. By February of the following year the flotilla had 225 boats in service.

1947- Social functions in 1947 saw the return of many veterans of World War II. One hundred members and guests opened the season with a dinner-dance. The House Committee was the host of that affair, which included a full-course turkey dinner and dancing to the music of Bucky Wilde's Orchestra.

1949 - Growing pains were evident, when two decisions were made that changed the character of the Club. Eight new dock sections were purchased from Elliot & Watrous for $800 and, after installation, boat slips were rented for $25 each. That same year, a central heating system was installed and the Clubhouse remained open all year.

1954 - The North Atlantic Dredging Company of Boston cleared the Yacht Club basin, making the way for breakwaters to be built, paving of the parking lot, grading of all areas, and landscaping.

1955 - In 1955 and 1956, extensive improvements, costing about $20,000, were made to expand existing facilities to the Club at Thompson Cove.

1962 - In January, the L & M Installation Company of New York City installed the Atlas Corpo Ice Prevention System, an aeration system, at the docks. This system was called "air bubbles".

1965 - February 20, marked the completion of the present facilities. In 37 years, the Yacht Club grew from a one-room clubhouse on the Pawcatuck River to one of the finest yachting facilities on the New England coast. These rebuilding and renovation projects cost $70,000.

1969 - The barbecue pit was added, as well as a play gym for the children.

1973 - The purchase of an additional piece of property in the Southwest corner of Thompson's cove occurred during this watch. It was utilized in later years for recreational activities.

1978 - The 50th anniversary of the formation of the Westerly Yacht Club was marked. The celebration was highlighted by visits from Horace Dunning, charter member and the Club's first secretary, and Charles Moore, nephew of Jeff Moore, the first Commodore of the Westerly Yacht Club. Reviewing the 50 years lent the general membership an opportunity to honor a charter member and benefactor, Otto Seidner. In that year, Otto was elected to the post of Honorary Commodore.

1980's - In the early 1980's the river channel was dredged. The front lot of the Club was filled in and part of it was designated for parking.

1983 - A one dock-per-year replacement plan was initiated and "F" dock was the first to be completely rebuilt. In early December of the same year, a severe winter storm caused considerable damage to the other four floating docks, "A", "C", "D", and "E". The Board of Directors voted to replace the damaged docks at a cost of $100,000. Twenty thousand had been allocated for one new dock. The other $80,000 was raised by selling certificates to Club members. The four rebuild docks, plus a new floating dock ("G" dock), were ready for the 1984 boating season.

1984 - A welcome summertime relief was added to the Clubhouse facility with the installation of air-conditioning in the bar, lounge, and shuffleboard room.
The area next to the barbecue pit was set aside as a Family Activity Area. Picnic tables, barbecues and an expanded children's play area were installed.
1985 - Energy conservation measures were instituted along with the constant maintenance and beautification of the Clubhouse, grounds, and docks.
An additional amount of $14,000 was received form the Otto Seidner Estate for the Otto Seidner Fund.

1986 - The Clubhouse facility was fully air-conditioned with the installation of heating and cooling facilities in the dining hall. A handicap ramp was added to the Clubhouse at the patio door entrance. New decking and underpinning was added to "B" Dock. A new "one-write" general ledger bookkeeping system was initiated, which provided computerized monthly financial reports.

1987 - Extensive changes were made to the interior of the Clubhouse and on the docks. The entire interior of the Clubhouse, including the lounge, dining hall, game room, and rest rooms, were completely revamped with bright and colorful paint, wallpaper, linoleum, rugs, and vertical blinds. The men's rest room adjacent to the dining hall was completely rebuilt. Facilities for the physically impaired were included.

On the docks, a complete new aeration system was installed, finger piers were renewed on E and F docks. Two aging underground steel gas tanks were replaced with on 4,000-gallon steel tank encased in fiberglass with an automatic monitoring system for environmental compliance. A new computerized gasoline delivery system was installed. Plans were made for moorings in the cove, to meet the increased need for docking facilities.

1988 - Renovations continued on the Club facilities. In the Clubhouse, a new bar was installed in the dining hall. A cement apron was added to the periphery of the barbecue pit. On the docks, a new and larger "WYC" sign was installed; the new gas dock with its computer system became operational. The State dredged the area at the small boat launch area at the entrance to the Club. The financial system was further improved with the establishment of shop order numbers for receipt and payment of funds. A contingency fund for maintenance was also established. Approximately 70 new members were introduced for 1989 election.
On January 26, 1988, the Westerly Yacht Club burgee flew from the signal halyard on the Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE (WIX-327), America's Tall Ship, during the Tall Ships Parade on Sydney Harbor celebrating the Australian Bicentennial Day,. This burgee was also flown on the EAGLE on February 18, 1988, when she crossed the equator South to North, at 180o East/West longitude on a passage from Pago Pago, American Somoa towards Honolulu. Upon the EAGLE's return to New London in August, Captain Ernst M. Cummings presented the burgee to the club.

1989 - The goal of purchasing an in-house computer was realized, as well as the hiring of a part-time Office Assistance and Bookkeeper. The parking lot was sealed and relined. A Planning Committee was established to guide future major maintenance and construction details. A portion of "B" dock was completely rebuilt. The Club also joined the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association, to begin studies on future dredging of our docking areas.

The biggest accomplishment during the year was the reduction of the Club debt. The only outstanding debt is the Gas Dock tank, which was also reduced to just $22,000.

1990 - The Club became debt free, with the final payment on the Gas Dock. A new ceiling and improved lighting was installed in the Dining Hall, and a new roof was installed over the lounge and Shuffleboard Room.
The Sea Scout Ship Admiral Dunn sponsored by the Club, was under new leadership and was very active with new scouts, their cutter and sailboats.
The year ended with an $18,000 surplus, which was put in the Club restricted contingency fund.

1991 - Although the nation was in a recession, 1991 proved to be very prosperous for the Yacht Club. During the year much was done to beautify the grounds with the planting of trees and general landscaping.
Inside the Clubhouse, new carpeting was installed in the entrance, coatroom, bar area, and shuffleboard room. New chairs were purchased for the banquet room, along with computerized cash registers for both bars. The second floor office/boardroom was expanded and remodeled to accommodate the newly acquired 12-foot conference table. Wall to wall carpeting and an independent air-conditioning system was also installed.
Members with 30 consecutive years were classified as Senior Life Members, and exempt form paying further dues. A classification of "LA" was designated for associate members of a deceased spouse that met the requirements of a Life Member. Due to the unfortunate arrival of Hurricane Bob, a Disaster Planning Committee was formed to better prepare for any emergency. Over $57,000 was added to the Club contingency fund (plant fund).

1992 - The Junior Sailing Program provided basic sail training for children ranging in age from eight to fifteen. Boats were donated by members. Enough money was donated and raised to purchase the boats necessary for a larger sailing program in 1993. The Sea Scouts earned the right to join the crew of a schooner sailing from Boston to Newport during Operational Sail.
The Club had a financially successful year, in spite of the remaining depression. Membership was down in 1992, prompting the Board of Directors to open the Membership Candidate Program on a twelve month basis.

The Club installed and activated a generator system. The unit will provide the necessary power to operate the Club during severs weather power losses.

1993 - This was good year in spite of a continued decline in membership and a severe winter. After some 30 years of inactivity, the Yacht Club once again became active in yacht racing. The Club's junior sailors raced in a regatta hosted by the East Greenwich Yacht Club in Narragansett Bay. Club regattas, and a Commodore's Cup Race were also sailed in Fisher's Island Sound.
Bob Raby's boat, "Liberty Bell" raced in all three Watch Hill Yacht Club races, winning first place in her class, in the Frederick B. Thurber race.

1994 - Junior sailors continue to represent the Club well, racing in regattas at the Weekapaug Yacht Club. A full-time expansion committee was appointed to develop and control expansion plans. A WYC Cookbook was also produced for members and guests.

1995 - After many years of work, the membership approved a major expansion to our facility. The Club had a very successful financial year much due to an influx of new members. There were improvements made to the launch ramp with more to follow. We also received the donation of a sailboat that may be made available to the Junior Sailors and also members that may not have use of a boat. The barbecue received a new roof, and our kitchen had some improvements.

1996 - For the first time in Club history the Commodore-Elect, Emile Hebert, passed over the bar before taking office. This required the remaining Bridge Officers to move forward one office, leaving the Rear Commodore's office vacant. Special meetings were held by the by-law Committee and Legal Counsel to amend the By-Laws to clarify exactly the steps that must be taken should this sad and unfortunate situation repeat itself in the future.

The Club expansion that began in the early spring moved forward as planned, causing only minor delays in the day-to-day operation of the Club. Our Membership Committee once again did a fine job, enrolling 49 new members to the current active roll. Junior sailing for our youngsters continues to be a very successful program, providing fun and enjoyment while learning the basic skills of sailing. The Commodore's Cup Race and Regatta were sailed in Fisher's Island Sound in August and September.

1997 - Extensive building renovations were completed in April. The new features included new handicap-accessible men's and women's shower facilities, expansion of the lounge, a new bar and bar equipment, a smoke exhaust system, new tables, refinishing of the bar stools and lounge chairs, carpeting, wall covering, new interior and exterior lighting, new roofs for the lounge and south end of the dining room, installation of a loading dock and expansion of the kitchen area, new stairs and entranceway, an exterior wrap-around deck, deck furniture, new windows and doors, a laundry room, sidewalks, and exterior cedar clapboard siding. Two TV sets were donated for the lounge and a washer & dryer for the laundry room. A beautiful lighted sign was donated and installed on the building exterior at the roof peak above the deck facing the water. Seven new boat slips were added to the marina. Our membership committee did an excellent job, enrolling 54 new members to the current active roll.

1998 - As the Yacht Club celebrated its 70th anniversary, much was accomplished. A new computer was purchased, our kitchen and utensil area was expanded, and we purchased a new convection oven. Turning our attention to the new wrap-around deck area, two 20-foot fully automated awnings were installed. It enhanced the deck area and was enjoyed by the membership during the summer months.
In August a meeting was held to secure funding under the Federal Clean Water Act to install a boat pump out station in the vicinity of the gas dock. It is expected to be operational for the 1999 boating season.
In the fall the Dockmaster presented the Board of Directors an update assessment of the condition of the Marina and problems along the waterfront. The board directed the Commodore to appoint a chairman for a minimum of five years to form a committee with an overall plan to update and expand the Marina.
We increased the membership of the Club with 29 new members. With an exceptional year and overabundant surplus. The loan for the expansion of the Club and the line credit were paid. The Club is currently debt free.

1999- The event of making the Club debt free was completed in March for the renovation and expansion projects that were completed in the previous years. Our new deck was utilized making afternoons and special gatherings outside very pleasurable. Major accomplishments were made to our office procedures as well as our accounting procedures. New staff included a full time office manager, part-time bookkeeper, full time gas dock attendant during the summer months, and full time head bartender. A record year for new current active members - 46 The purchase of a new work boat and motor for the Marina was made in the early fall. Beautification of the dining room was made, wallpaper, drapes, painting and flooring. The Board of Directors and membership approved the formation of a committee to bring about the installation and funding of a large swimming pool.

2000 - In March of 2000, the contract for a new swimming pool was signed. After weather delays of some significant, it was built and in use for Labor Day weekend. The new pool had an impact on membership, helping us to garner 109 new members for the year, setting a new record for the most new members in any one year.

The membership approved the purchase of a twelve unit central air cleaning system for the lounge and a ten burner propane grill for functions on the deck or pool side. The position of Club Steward was reinstated and a new ice machine was installed in the lounge. Club dues were set at $270.00 for the 2000/2001 fiscal year.

Our Jr. Sailing program continues to thrive with an enrollment of twenty four youngsters all eager to learn sailing skills. The program supported by volunteers from our member ranks. The Commodore's Cup race was sailed in early October in twenty-five to thirty knot winds on Fisher's Island Sound. Everyone had a good time with the committee providing a great feed at the clubhouse for the presentations. The fiscal year ended successfully.