Historic Yacht Clubs

Historic Yacht Clubs. . , Following the Civil War, captains of industry flocked to Long Island’s North Shore, where they built estates far from the bustle of New York City. Here in Port Washington, yachting became a favorite sport for many, with boatyards like Purdy’s and A&R Marshall’s building fine racing sloops and motorized yachts for their wealthy clientele. Private yacht clubs were established here beginning in 1871, when the North Shore Yacht Club, the earliest on Long Island, was founded as the New York Canoe Club. The Knickerbocker Yacht Club came next, in 1874, followed by the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club in 1894, the Mill Pond Model Yacht Club in 1898 and the Port Washington Yacht Club in 1905. Over the years, these clubs have continued to contribute to yachting culture and achievements. The North Shore Yacht Club established the International Challenge Cup in 1885, the first small boat sailing trophy in the United States. PWYC member Commodore “Pop” Corry and naval architect William Gardner designed the first Star Class boats. The Knickerbocker established the prestigious Knickerbocker Cup Race in 1982 and its member, Bus Mosbacher, captain-two America’s Cup winning teams. Sadly, the Knickerbocker closed its doors in 2009 after nearly 135 years., For well over a century, these yacht clubs and their illustrious membership have helped to make yachting and regatta racing an integral part of life in Manhasset Bay., Yacht Clubs and Burgees , North Shore 1871 , Knickerbocker 1874 , Manhasset Bay 1894 , Mill Pond Model 1898 , Port Washington 1905, About the Artist, Aaron Morgan has lived in Port Washington for 40 years and been active in many areas of civic life. Morgan, who graduated Cooper Union in the 1960s, has always believed that art is about the process of choices and learning; it is like magic, creating something from nothing! “As an artist I have something to say and I do it visually,” says Morgan. With the assistance of Larry Gordon, who fabricated this magnificent work, Morgan has given Port North and the Baywalk an artwork that will delight viewers of all ages., The theme of his mural, Manhasset Bay’s yacht clubs is executed in the Dalle de Verre style (1″ thick glass). The colors represent features: yellow is for roads; green stands for parks; brown and orange is land and blue is the water. Clockwise from the top left (on the glass mural) is the North Shore Yacht Club, Mill Pond Model Yacht Club, Knickerbocker Yacht Club, Manhasset Bay Yacht Club and the Port Washington Yacht Club.