The present Club is the outgrowth of informal races first organized in the late 1930’s by Colon “Semi” Soule among the heterogeneous boats then used primarily for sailing by the summer residents. Interest in sailing and racing developed rapidly among all age groups during these formative years and the Zip, through the efforts of Dave Bernard and George Flanagan, became the Club’s first class boat.
Through the farsighted efforts of such members as Semi Soule, Lou Richards and Lee Farrin the Club was incorporated and by-laws adopted in 1940 in order to coordinate the activities of the growing membership. The Club joined the ECYRA during that year and an active racing schedule was carried out at Niantic Bay with 17 keel Zips, 4 centerboard Zips, and 9 handicap class boats participating.
The Club enjoyed interesting and active seasons in 1941 and 1942 under the leadership of Lou Richards despite the limitations imposed by the war. In 1942 the Thames Yacht Club was invited to race with us since their waters were completely restricted. It was during this year that the first inconclusive discussions were held regarding the purchase of land for a clubhouse and anchorage. Wartime restrictions and the absence of many of our skippers in active service caused the complete suspension of all Club activities in 1943, although those able to participate continued to race on an informal basis. This undaunted spirit evidenced by some 20 skippers who were determined to race in spite of all restrictions caused commodore Walter Rice to reactivate the Club in 1944. During the latter part of this season the Tyler’s Point property was acquired as a permanent site for the clubhouse, and a building fund was initiated.
On July 4, 1945, the flagpole was dedicated at Tyler’s Point. The Club resumed all normal activities and enjoyed a most successful season with the return of our servicemen and the addition of many new members. Class racing competition was expanded to include Atlantics, Luders, and Lightnings, as well as Zips and handicap boats.
The acquisition of Tyler’s Point and the end of the war stimulated a renewed interest in the membership in having a clubhouse, and during the 1945-47 seasons, Commodore Richards, Soule, and Scranton and their associates devoted much time and effort to this project. After considerable delays caused by government regulations, change of building plans and financial problems, construction of the clubhouse was started in the fall of 1947 under the able guidance of Bill Garnoe, Chairman of the Building Committee. Its completion and commissioning on July 4, 1948 brought great satisfaction to the membership which had actively supported and worked for this project.
In 1949, during Mill Purdy’s second term, the Club was host to the ECYRA regatta attended by 150 boats. To accommodate the regatta a temporary pier was constructed on land leased from Mr. John Bailey, south of the club’s property.
During these years interest in intraclub racing continued to grow, as did the membership, and the club’s reputation was enhanced by the excellent performance of our skippers in the ECYRA regattas and cup events. 1950 saw the introduction of the Giants Neck picnic race by Commodore Reddig and the destruction of our temporary pier by a severe November storm. The loss of the pier resulted in our acquisition in 1951 of the property leased from Mr. Bailey, and under the able leadership of Commodore Ted Bernard a fund was raised for the construction of the breakwater and permanent pier which was substantially completed in 1954.
In this year the Club once again was host to a successful ECYRA regatta. On August 30, 1954, “Hurricaine Carol” caused substantial damage to the Club’s physical properties and resulted in the loss of many of our boats. Faced with this disaster, Commodore Clyde Gill asked for and received the authority of the membership to levy a special assessment to provide the funds required to restore the clubhouse and grounds and to complete the pier. 1955 found the club back in full operation, and through the efforts of Commodore Bill Storrs, Bill Carnoe, and Al Leventhal, the pier was completed with a concrete capping, lights, and boat landing. In 1956 the pier was further extended and a landing float and crane were added.
The Club has been very fortunate to have had devoted and able men direct its activities during these past years. It has grown from a small nucleus of boat owners to a present membership of over 250 members. We have an attractive and practical clubhouse, an excellent swimming beach and some of the finest sailing waters found on Long Island Sound. The members can be duly proud of the accomplishments of the past and can look to a successful future in which the club will continue to grow while maintaining its original purpose, that is, to stimulate and offer sailing activities in Niantic Bay.
