History of Bay Point Yacht Club
Bay Point Yacht Club began as an idea of Bill Young, a past Commander of the Akron Power Squadron and his friend Dr. E. K. Huntington, owner of the Bay Point property.
On a cold, windy Sunday afternoon, the 10Th
of August in 1969, Bill invited a small group of men from Bay Point Marina, now
about six years old, on board his boat to discuss the possibilities of forming a
yacht club. There were ten of them. Each of the men not only shared the desire
for a yacht club but also expressed a willingness to contribute both time and
energy towards its establishment. There was, of course, a lengthy discussion
regarding organizing and operating. Doc Huntington agreed to rent a large
cottage, the "Cape Cod", for a clubhouse at $600 a year, including utilities.
The cottage, located just past Bay Point's entrance gate, was situated on the
shores of Lake Erie had its own sandy-beach and an ideal site for our fledgling
club.
The men left Bill's boat that afternoon with high hopes that a yacht club would soon become a reality. In all probability, BPYC got its start because of a Sunday afternoon too cold and windy for pleasure boating-an afternoon that pointed to the need for a club.
Many meetings followed laying the groundwork in forming and organizing our club into its final form. Time came to recruit members and it was decided to have a corn roast. The data was set for Sunday September 20 1969. We worked from early morning until late afternoon cleaning up the "cottage" and the surrounding grounds, making it as appealing as possible, to attract those attending into membership. Everything was in readiness, the clubhouse, the grounds, and the cooks. The evening was beautiful-cool and crisp. Some 200 people descended upon us enjoying corn, good fellowship and a magnificent view of Lake Erie from our front yard.
By
October 15, 1969, we were 104 strong and it was decided to close charter
memberships. The temporary officers were elected to one-year terms, we
negotiated a five-year lease on our clubhouse and we were on our way. In
December of that same year Commodore Bill Young advised us that I-LYA had
accepted our petition for membership and after a three year probationary period
full membership would be voted upon. Admission to I-LYA would mean a great deal
to our club. Little did we know how much, and that twenty-two years later our
own Frank Olech would be I-LYA Commodore. Time and weather took its toll on the
original clubhouse and in 1984 it was replaced by a mobile building-on the same
beautiful site-providing us with ample quarters, large galley, hall and outside
bar.
Bay Point membership has always maintained an average of over 100 Active, Associate, and Social members. The clubhouse is open from May until October and we welcome your visits-by land or sea. We offer good fellowship, sandy beaches, a magnificent view of Lake Erie and well even throw in a corn roast.
Yearly events include: Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Day Service, along with a great pancake breakfast; organized socials on the second Saturdays of each month; club cruises and family sail racing.