Our History

Cambridge Yacht Club was founded in 1911 by Alfred I. du Pont and other prominent Cambridge residents who shared a passion for yachts and racing.

 

World War I caused the club to close temporarily in 1919, and it re-opened in 1933.  The first clubhouse still stands on High Street, where the club operated until it moved to its current location in 1938.

Baltimore Sun, February 4, 1911

Announcement of the Club’s Founding in The Baltimore Sun, February 4, 1911

Alfred I du Pont

Alfred I. Du Pont, first Commodore of Cambridge Yacht Club

Original Clubhouse

CYC’s first clubhouse was the Goldsborough mansion on High Street, with water access onto Cambridge Creek. That building still stands, and it is now a private residence.

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Award-Winning Clubhouse

In 1937, Frank du Pont funded the construction of the current clubhouse at the foot of Mill St, on the Choptank River.

The clubhouse was perhaps the first in the nation designed by a woman, Victorine du Pont Honsey, and the modern design won awards for its modern aesthetic modeled after the bridge of Alfred I. duPont‘s yacht, Alicia.

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Victorine Du Pont Homsey

A Legacy of Racing

Cambridge Yacht Club has been the home of racing on the Choptank River for over a century. Early in our history, powerboat racing was an exciting new pursuit for Cambridge’s elite. Races ran up and down the river, finishing at the Yacht Club’s new clubhouse at the foot of Mill Street. Over time, those races evolved into the current Cambridge Classic, which features sleek hydroplanes and throwback Jersey skiffs.

Sailors were attracted to the broad waters of the Choptank River, which has excellent sailing regardless of wind direction. Admiral Byrd was a regular patron of sailboat races in the 1940s, and the Club’s annual regatta now bears his name.

Our tradition of racing excellence continues to this day, and CYC is proud to host the Admiral Byrd Regatta, annual Log Canoe races, Wednesday Night Races, and our beloved Junior Sail Program.

2023 Flag

Trevor Carouge

Trevor Carouge

Commodore

Graham Ward

Graham Ward

Vice Commodore

Jackie Whisman

Jackie Whisman

Rear Commodore

Kevin Diaz

Kevin Diaz

Fleet Captain

Rev. Susan Leight

Rev. Susan Leight

Fleet Chaplain

2023 Board of Governors

Rege Butler

Rege Butler

Jo Chapman

Jo Chapman

John Donegan III

John Donegan III

Tom Hannan

Tom Hannan

Tom Kranz

Tom Kranz

Teresa Troll

Teresa Troll

Bill Clyde

Bill Clyde

Immediate Past Commodore

Lorna Greene

Lorna Greene

Club Manager