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FIFTY YEARS ON THE
BAY
In the spring of
1954, a group of sailors gathered with a simple purpose: “To organize and
provide rules for racing this summer on Great Bay, or other places designated.”
Races were held each Sunday afternoon at the State Pier and included class
racing for 12 foot catboats—Merry Macs designed by club member Ned McIntosh—and
other boats by handicap. By 1958, Great Bay Yacht Club was officially registered
with the State of New Hampshire as a non-profit organization whose purpose was
“to foster the spirit of sailing in the community around the Great Bay area.” In
1959 the Club was able to purchase the two lots that became its home. The Club
blossomed during the 1960s. There were as many as fourteen regattas a year, most
featuring youth, women's and “boat” divisions. This level of commitment to
racing continued into the 1970s, though by decade's end the Club was scheduling
only seven races per year, including the newly-inaugurated event, a memorial
race for pioneering Club member Clyde Whitehouse. This race is still sponsored
by GBYC and takes place every September. Though Club racing continued into the
1980s, the golden age of the wooden Merry Mac had passed as members made the
move to bigger (and most often fiberglass) boats. But racing is only part of the
GBYC story. Thanks to a high level of volunteerism, members have been able, on a
shoestring, to construct docks and a modest building for storage lockers and to
plan renovations including a porch from which to watch races, boats going by and
sunsets. Friendships which in some cases stretch back through three generations
are continued and new ones are made as we gather for afternoon socials, jaunts
to the Isles of Shoals, and the occasional group cruise to further parts.
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