| The Fair Haven Yacht Club originated from the earlier activities of the Fair Haven Yacht Racing Association, which was first organized in 1933 by Robert Downey Jr. The Yachting Association sponsored the first LYRA Regatta held on Fair Haven Bay that year. The Yacht Racing Association was formally organized as a club in 1939, again led by Mr. Downey. In 1941, the club joined the LYRA and began as a recognized club having some 30 boats with membership exceeding 40.
The FHYC was incorporated in 1948, and leased space in the Pleasant Beach Hotel for the clubhouse. During its stay at Pleasant Beach, club members were responsible for the design and construction of the docking facilities at the hotel. Local men donating $25 to $300 in Certificates of Indebtedness accomplished financing for the formation of the club.
F. Lew Workman was the club's first Commodore.
As the program grew, in 1953 the club purchased land on the West Side of the bay in conjunction with a donation of waterfront property by Mr. Downey and expanded to the present facility. During this period, the club sailing fleets expanded from Lightnings to include both the Thistle and Rhodes Bantam as one-design classes.
With the new facility, the club formed the junior program for young people in the area. Formed by Dwight Murphy, the program was a 5-day (10-4) Day Camp, teaching sailing, swimming, and crafts. Scholarships were awarded to two Non Yacht Club children in the Fair Haven area each year. At first the juniors sailed prams and Rhodes Bantams, supplied by their parents. The Junior Upstate Bantam Regatta was an outcome of the group, with racing at Chaumont, Henderson Harbor, Sodus, Skaneateles, and Red Jacket.
The Ladies Auxiliary was formed at this time in conjunction with the Junior YC. Its purpose was to support the JR YC and provide trophies for the various activities, which were awarded at the Annual Field Day.
From this period as the club advanced, membership provided the support to finance the growth of the club facilities. In addition to its growth, the club sponsored a number of activities including the Thistle National Regatta, the Fair Haven 4th of July celebration parade of boats and the wall of fire.
Sailing continued to expand in the fleets and picked up in the cruising fleet. In 1961, the junior club bought four new Kingfisher sailboats. In 1969, the club started the Duck Island Race and took part in the Eastern Yachting Circuit.
As the club grew, in 1971 the Board of Directors authorized the expansion of the club to its present size. This project was supported by the membership, both financially and by their physical help.
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