Cuttyhunk Yacht Club
The Cuttyhunk Yacht Club, established in 1956 on the picturesque island of Cuttyhunk, is dedicated to teaching children aged 6 to 16 the art of sailing, fostering oceanic enjoyment, and passing on maritime skills as instructors. They have lessons throughout the summer for all experience levels. Visit their website to sign up for membership and view the class schedule.
Cuttyhunk Yacht Club history
The club’s roots trace back to the 1930s when families began renting summer homes from local landowner Connie Wood. These “summer kids” engaged in various activities, including sailing, until a 1938 hurricane devastated their boathouse and most of their boats.
In the 1950s, the interest in sailing instruction rekindled as the next generation of families arrived on the island. This resurgence led to the establishment of the new Cuttyhunk Yacht Club on April 14, 1956, at the residence of Robert and Eleanor Moore. The club’s premises, including the present clubhouse, were donated by Kitsy and Wye Garfield and constructed by A.P. Tilton and Allan Potter.
The club’s offerings have since expanded to include diverse programs for children, encompassing knot-tying, rowing, sailing, racing, and safe capsize techniques. Many participants from the 1950s and 1960s have continued their engagement, becoming instructors and club officers themselves. The Cuttyhunk Yacht Club stands as a testament to the enduring love of the ocean, community, and the island’s natural beauty shared among sailors, islanders, and summer residents across generations.
