It should come as no surprise that Marblehead, Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Navy, is steeped in yachting tradition. A town of just under 20,000, it plays host to six yacht clubs, three on the Neck and three on the mainland side of the harbor. Of the three on the Neck, Eastern Yacht Club is the oldest, and depending who you talk to, the most prestigious. Home to three America’s Cup defenders (Puritan, Mayflower and Volunteer, in 1885, 1886, and 1887 respectively), the Eastern has been a part of American yachting history for the past century and a half.
Organized in 1870, the Eastern Yacht Club has played host to regattas at the local, regional, national and international level. These include Etchells Worlds, Star Worlds, IOD Worlds, Viper 640 North Americans, Sonar North Americans, Shields Nationals, and the 1996 Soling North Americans. Annually they hold host to Marblehead Race Week in conjunction with the Corinthian Yacht Club and Boston Yacht Club.
The waterfront is home to a healthy racing fleet with large one design and PHRF classes, as well as a multitude of cruisers and learns to sail programs. In addition to the waterfront, activities include tennis, the pool area, social events, and paddle tennis. The Clubhouse is expansive and offers some of the best sunset views in the Marblehead. The Samoset Porch is a large informal dining area with bar service and casual dining for members. Inside, the Henderson Dining Room is a full service dining area with a full menu and bar service. For casual drinks, the Barker Clubroom has a full bar and offers additional dinner seating.
For any sailor, a visit to the Eastern, as well as the Corinthian or the Boston, should never be passed up if offered. The Clubhouse is packed with yachting history, from the late 1800s to present day racing success. Whether it be Marblehead Race Week, or the club team race series, there is always racing at the Eastern. Given the location and the level of sailing, it is one of the premier yacht clubs in the Northeast.
http://www.easternyc.org/
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