Edgartown Yacht Club (EYC)

Edgartown Yacht Club (EYC)

Founded: 1905 Location: Edgartown Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Situated in one of New England’s most idyllic harbors, the Edgartown Yacht Club (EYC) is a seasonal club steeped in tradition, elegance, and community spirit. Founded in 1905, EYC is an anchor institution in Edgartown, a historic whaling town that has become a yachting haven on Martha’s Vineyard.

EYC’s shingled clubhouse is located directly on the harborfront, with panoramic views of sailboats, the lighthouse, and the ferry to Chappaquiddick. The club offers private docks, dry storage, a dinghy launch ramp, and mooring access via tender. The interior features a charming dining room, lounge, junior clubhouse, and event facilities for weddings and club functions.

The club’s racing calendar is highlighted by the legendary Edgartown Race Weekend, featuring the ’Round-the-Island Race, one of the oldest distance races in the U.S. Other events include weekly PHRF racing, one-design regattas, and interclub team races. EYC supports a wide variety of fleets — from junior Optis to large cruising yachts.

The Junior Yacht Club, founded in 1923, is central to EYC’s mission. It offers a full summer program of sailing instruction, racing, tennis, and social activities. Young sailors progress through Optis, 420s, and Lasers in an environment that emphasises safety, sportsmanship, and fun.

EYC is a social hub on Martha’s Vineyard, with events ranging from Commodore’s Cocktail Receptions and lobster boils to tennis tournaments and bridge games. The club fosters a family-centric and multigenerational atmosphere, and many members return year after year.

Though seasonal, EYC maintains strong reciprocal ties with clubs throughout the U.S. and abroad, making it a welcoming waypoint for visiting yachtsmen.