Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club
Stories from the Little Egg Yacht Club
Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club
401 Berkeley Avenue
Beach Haven, NJ 08008-1622
(609) 429-2529
Website: www.lehyc.org
Founded in 1912, The Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club has a large and successful junior sailing program whose participants, past and present, keep its adult sailing and racing activities vigorous. Secure in its sailing heritage, the club is proud both of the sailing accomplishments of its members and of its contributions to the broader sailing community in its first hundred years.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR YACHT CLUB BECOMES NSHOF FOUNDING MEMBER
From the Commodore:
"The Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club is proud to become a Founding Member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. As a club with a strong sailing tradition and a two time winner of the St Petersburg Trophy, The Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club and its members are delighted to join NSHOF in preserving America's sailing legacy and honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to American Sailing. Our members look forward to visiting this landmark for sailing enthusiasts."
Kevin McGlynn, Commodore - Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club
History
When Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club was formed in 1912, the only access to Beach Haven was by ferry, and residents were using the island for extended summer vacations.
Over the first few years LEHYC acquired some property on Berkeley Avenue and built a dock. Activities at the club included sailing races and motorboat races, parties held at the large local hotels: Baldwin and Engleside. In 1916 the clubhouse was built and some activities were held there but the big events were still held at the hotels into the 1930s. In 1921 the club acquired the first 4 of the LEHYC 25 foot one-design sloops to increase adult racing. In 1923 the Skippers program was started to teach young boys sailing and seamanship. Activities continued to expand throughout the inter-war period with additional classes, addition of the Skipperettes program for young girls and construction of a tennis court.
After a slow period in WWII, the club began rapid expansion in the late 40s through the 60s. During this period LEHYC became well known for superior regattas and excellent race management. LEHYC held many prestigious sailing championships including several at the National, North American or International levels. This culminated with hosting of the NAYRU (now US Sailing) Mallory, Adams, O’Day and Championship of Champions. At the same time several LEHYC Sailors won major events. Mac Allen won the Moth North Americans and Jack Barclay won the International Comets at LEHYC in1963. Other events continued and expanded, Skippers merged with Skipperettes to form one of the premier Junior Sailing Programs in the nation. Tennis Courts were added and social activities expanded.