About Sachem’s Head Yacht Club

Founded in 1896, Sachem’s Head Yacht Club is a private sailing club located at Chimney Corner on Long Island Sound in Guilford, Connecticut. The club hosts an active racing fleet, junior sailing and family entertainment throughout the summer.

As presented by Edna Seward Stevens, born 1878, Wellesley Class of 1900, to The Whitfield Society in June 1931:

Probably the natural harbor at Sachems Head has been the main reason for its becoming again a summer resort. More and more people built cottages and had boats to be cared for. Of course if you have a boat and I have a boat the question arises, “Which is the faster?” That perfectly natural question was the reason for the forming of the present Yacht Club. In the summer of 1896 Aaron Hill owner of the Sachem John Elton Wayland owner of the Spindrift Edward C. Seward owner of the Sweetheart and William E. Peck owner of the Helena founded a yacht club of four members all officers in the order named – Commodore, vice commodore, Fleet Captain, Sec & Treas. On May 14, 1897 articles of association were adopted and Robert B. Seward elected to membership. Later Rob’t Mitchell, A. H. Wilcox, W. C. Clark (Leetes Island) C. N. Wayland (Mrs. Wayland’s father) Harry Bartholomew, Dr. Robert Lander and a Dr. Joseph Pullman were admitted. Races were started that year from Merriman’s dock. (Now Hoffman’s) Twelve boats started in the first race. The first annual regatta on Labor Day found seventeen boats entered. The first annual meeting of the club was held at the Pierce Cottage. Mr. Seward was appointed chairman of a committee to secure a club site. It is due to his efforts that Chimney Corner was acquired. Many who have bought property at Sachems Head in years past know that there are old titles reaching back almost to prehistoric times and that boundaries were much more loosely held than now. Securing title to that rocky island meant following up many families who seemed to have some claim to the rocks. A corporation was formed under state laws to finance the purchase of the site and building was begun. The Club House was formally opened June 18th 1898. Capt Oliver Brooks was the first superintendent. Membership has increased greatly since the early days but the interest and enthusiasm in regard to racing was never stronger than at that time when from twelve to twenty boats flying the yacht club flag used to cruise each summer – carrying the name and fame of the club to all points of importance east and west along the Sound.

Flag Officers

Officers

Committee Chairs

Membership

Sachem’s Head Yacht Club is a private club. New members are proposed through a process of introduction and sponsorship by existing members. Applications for membership are not accepted from the general public.

For membership information, contact Membership Chair Noel Petra.

Directions & Parking

Sachem’s Head Yacht Club
Chimney Corner Circle
Guilford, CT 06437

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Parking: Please observe all Sachems Head Association parking regulations. Roadway parking is limited — please use designated areas and be considerate of residents.

Club By-Laws & Rules

The Club’s governing documents are available to members. Contact the Secretary for current copies.