SAYRA Club of the Month

Seven men who loved the sport of yacht racing founded Carolina Yacht Club-North Carolina April 24, 1853. Early racing was in the sound with courses based on courses between marshes, tidal creeks and the inlet.  Eventually the sailors erected a structure with porches and a tower on the island. It was the first structure on the island of what is now known as Wrightsville Beach. Seaside parties which carried into the night were held following the regattas with the moonlight as the only light on the uninhabited island. Trophies were loving cups and punch bowls of sterling silver.  In 1873 a white swallow-tail burgee with a red star in the center was adopted and boats flew this burgee from their masts.

Women started racing by the end of the 1800’s.  Races were frequent and only interrupted by the Civil War, Spanish American War and World Wars I and II.

Over the years many hurricanes have destroyed the yacht club structures. The current building was built to replace the building destroyed by Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

CYC-NC was one of the original clubs of SAYRA.  In the 1930’s these clubs joined to promote inter-club racing. Results were sent via Western Union. CYC-NC continues to host frequent races, locally, regionally and nationally and to be active and supportive of the sport of yacht racing. Some things haven’t changed in 154 years.

Historical notes courtesy of Anne Russell’s Carolina Yacht Club Chronicles.

www.carolinayachtclub.org