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History
of the International Yacht Club
The Yacht Club was
launched in January of 1958. A group of interested boaters from
Washington State and the Province of British Columbia met in the City
Hall at Blaine, WA The common interest then, as now, was to
provide more moorage in the port for pleasure boats.
The club's first Commodore was Earl
McKinney, of Blaine. Earl was succeeded by Eric Griffiths in
September of 1958. Under the guidance of McKinney and Griffiths in
September of 1958, the club brought pressure to bear upon the Port
Commission. These foresighted charter members were instrumental in
getting improvements in the harbor facilities for the boating community.
The club has
maintained this initial objective over the eighteen years since its
inauguration. As a result the Island of Sucia, WA was purchased by
a large group of boating clubs, including the International Yacht Club,
and preserved for posterity as a State Park. Somewhat closer to
home, but equally, thoughtful projects that the International Yacht Club
has seen through to completion are:
Fresh water piped to
all docks - 1971.
Overhead light installed on the public
launching warf - 1973.
Public barbecue pit - 1976.
Apron around barbecue - 1977.
Flag pole - 1977.
Although the club was inactive from 1959
to 1970 it had one member, Myron Terry, who kept up the dues to
Interclub, thereby maintaining the club's Charter. Such foresight
comes to a few people in their lifetime. Myron's faith in the
future of the club never faultered. It is no
wonder that the members voted Myron and Mary Terry the first Lifetime
Members in 1973 at the Commodore's Dance at Forest Grove.
In 1970 a renewed
interest in forming a club arose spontaneously. The time was ripe
and the twenty who filled the International Cafe accepted Myron Terry as
Chairman and Secretary. It is interesting to note that seven of
the charter members were paid-up members in 1970-71. Myron kept the club
active and growing through the summer and until the October election of
officers. Since 1970 the club has had six commodores to
chart its course:
Bill
Goff
1970-71 Bill Schroeder
1971-72 Jim Tooker
1972-73 Ron Wilson
1973-74
Roy
Middleditch 1974-75
Allan Mosher 1975-76
Doug Fuhs 1976-77
The Club membership
has grown from thirty-five in 1958 to around one hundred this year.
The original membership was about 50% American and 50% Canadian and even
today the ratio is about the same. We may be a unique Yacht Club
because of this common interest. If we are not unique, at least
the common interest gives every member an opportunity to work to promote
international goodwill.
Our burgee has
remained unchanged since it was described by Earl McKinney in 1958.
One suggestion was for a white peace arch on a blue background.
The other suggestion was a white peace arch on a scarlet background.
The club chose the navy blue background and decided to order two dozen
from Vancouver for sale.
The order was delayed
and members did not have their burgees in time for the sail past at
Bellingham in May of 1958. They did receive a sample in January of
1959 but only half the order was imported because the duty was so high
(42 1/2%). The other twelve were sold to Canadians in Canada t the
same price. The club paid the duty on the American burgees to keep
the price equal. Since the original order was filled and sold at
$2.75 each, the price of burgees has escalated only slightly. They
are available now at $3.25. A small price to pay for the privilege
of flying the club burgee to welcome others aboard. Stories are
spun and plans laid aboard yachts while the burgees fly gaily aloft.
A club history is a
continuing project. The writer cannot put her pen away but only
lay it aside for awhile. "Eleanor, it's time to lay your pen
down!", I hear them say, so I'll say "So Long For now!"
Eleanor Middleditch, Historian
(An excerpt from the
International Yacht Club Roster of 1977-78)
(Eleanor Middleditch was
Historian from 1975 to 2001) |
