The History of Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club

 

Update Continues...

We have begun the process of updating this section, but the Web Bosun continues to welcome any old photos of the club, past or current members, special events or your "memorable moments" in club history.

Please contact the Commodore or any member of the Board if you are interested (of course, we can make a digital copy and return your original).

2008 Opening Reception - Founders Honored but the Honor is Really Ours

May 24, 2008- It was a glorious night at SSYC. The wind lightened, the sun broke through the clouds, Brother Mac Barnes blessed our fleets and sailors, we gave thanks for another year of wonderful sailing - and we gave thanks to a very special group of individuals. Joining us to celebrate our opening evening and receive our thanks were PC Ed Ryan, Norman Walsh, Thelma Johnson, Margaret Throckmorton Hembling and the Honorable William Throckmorton. It was an amazing sight to see five individuals so much a part of our history gathered together on our deck. After Brother Mac's blessing, the flag officers, led by Commodore Paul Clauss and assisted by, VC Leighton Waters, RC Mike Lyttle plus PC's Bill Van Winkle and Jeff Jacobi, dedicated a plaque to hang in the clubhouse recognizing the founders and their efforts on our behalf. The ceremony concluded with the membership awarding life memberships to Ms. Thelma Johnson, Judge William Throckmorton and Mr. Norman Walsh who now join founders PC Ed Ryan and Margaret Hembling in the Life Member category. Congratulations and welcome to all of our founders and our thanks for your foresight 72 seasons ago.

 

1937 - Some of Our Founders

The photos are of Warren Ayers, James Rue Campbell & Bill Davis on the Dolphin with a circa date of 1940. After these photos were posted on the SSYC web site we heard from Jim Campbell, James Rue Campbell's son. Jim believes the photos are from 1937 or 1938 as the Campbells moved to Philadelphia in 1939 and then to New York City in late 1940 or early 1941.

During this time the Dolphin remained in NJ under the care of Byron Briggs. Because of the logistics involved with commuting to the shore for the weekend from either Phila or NYC with an infant (Jim), it was rarely used in 1940 and most likely not in racing condition.

Jim also reports that during the war his Dad sailed the Dolphin from SSYC to Little Neck Bay on western Long Island Sound.

 

Dateline Unknown - 6 Time U.S. Sailing Adams Cup Champion June Methot

For years  the rumors of Lightnings being raced on the South Shrewsbury have been heard here and there.  Well, here you have it...proof in the form of the 6 time U.S. Sailing Adams Cup Champion June Methot gearing up for competition with her crew Howard Hathaway (cockpit) and Bob Wood (on the deck).  Thanks to Les Hathaway for the historic photo!

 

 

1999 - Team SSYC Wins the " International Sandbagger"

1999 - Team SSYC Wins the " International Sandbagger" Regatta held in New York Harbor, under the auspices of Manhattan Yacht Club and Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh. In this photo, Team SSYC consisting of Michael Lyttle, David Whittle, Jeff Jacobi, John Whittle, John Garth, Talbott Ingram, Lazslo Potyondy, Bill Knowlton, Lee Ingram, John Costanzo & Skipper Stuart Van Winkle narrowly lead the Dutch Team "Koninklijke Loosdrecht Yacht Club" around the windward mark.

SSYC went on to win 2 - 0 in the best of 3 series for the first time the historic event had been run in over 100 years. Sandbaggers are seriously "over canvassed" boats that will capsize on a moments notice, and had been at the pinnacle of Yacht Racing until the turn of the century, when new rules were made by the United States Yacht Racing Union - now U.S. Sailing - which prohibited "wagering" AKA "gambling " and "moveable ballast." These rules hold true today. Sandbaggers were eventually outlawed and considered "extreme and dangerous." These wonderful Sandbagger replicas, the "Bull" & the "Bear" were commissioned, funded, and built through the generosity of Peter Kellog of Mantoloking Yacht Club.

The 1970's

Photo on Right: When Dr. Whittle's "SYLPH" was not racing to Bermuda, many junior sailors got their adrenalin rush in the 70's from "spinnaker flying". This was one of the first "extreme sports"!

Photo below: Sal Costanzo, past recipient of the Sportsmanship Award, was well known to all for his uncompromising and unrelenting interest in helping run the races every week for many years.

 

The 1960's

Here's a shot of the club as captured from the air in July of 1961.