By Airwaves writer Tyler Colvin
The North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts offers some of the most historic boating in the country. From Nahant to Ipswich, there is a wealth of sailing to be had. On the tip of Cape Ann is Sandy Bay Yacht Club, in scenic Rockport, Massachusetts.
Operating since 1885, Sandy Bay Yacht Club has been in its current clubhouse on the end of T-Wharf since 1930. From, 100 Years of Sailing at Sandy Bay, “In 1885 Annisquam challenged Rockport to a race around Thacher’s. Annisquam must have had an organization to issue the challenge; Rockport must have had one to accept it. So we say a sailing club, from which ours is descended, existed here in 1885.”
Sandy Bay is a large bay on the tip of Cape Ann measuring about a mile long and one and a half miles wide. Average depth is around 60’ and is partially enclosed by a WWII era breakwater. In the summer it features a strong southerly sea breeze very consistently with temperatures in the high 70s/low 80s. Of all the locations on the North Shore, Sandy Bay has by far the most consistent wind. While tourist driven income is still a staple in the town, fishing and lobstering are still prevalent.
The yacht club itself sits out on the end of T-Wharf at the heart of downtown Rockport. It is home to the Cape Ann Star Fleet, as well as several healthy one-design classes such as the Bullseye, Flying Scot and Rhodes 19. There are about 800 members ranging from ages 8 to 95, all of whom participate in some capacity in the sailing, recreational boating, and social activities at the club. Membership dues are very reasonable and provide access to all the facilities, including one of the best decks in Rockport to sit back and relax. One thing it does not guarantee however is mooring or dockage, as both are at a premium.
In addition to the facilities, Sandy Bay Yacht Club also has adult and junior learn to sail and race programs. The SBYC Junior Sailing program is a 501(c)(3) charity and caters to youth from all around Cape Ann. A couple hundred kids pass through the program each summer and make use of the 18 club-owned Optis as well as 9 club-owned C420s. Lessons run for 10 weeks in the summer as groups, and private lessons at any time in the dinghies or in a club owned Rhodes 19 or Bullseye by one of the very qualified instructors.
Sandy Bay Yacht Club is the perfect place to get away from the city life and enjoy the best the North Shore has to offer. Several beaches, countless excellent restaurants and the Yacht Club are all within walking distance of each other. So pack up the car or jump on the train and head north on 128 to beautiful Rockport and Sandy Bay Yacht Club.
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