What image comes to mind when you think of a yacht club?
For many, the thought conjures up a vision that includes captains of industry, such as Richard Branson and Donald Trump – or at the very least Thurston Howell III, all drinking cognac and smoking Cuban cigars while white gloved servers cater to their every need.
Other minds will go straight to the “Gilded Age” of the 1800’s, where Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt himself helped set the benchmark for wealthy living.
Imagine how expensive the annual dues must have been at his yacht club. Perhaps there was a sign on the door that read “robber-barons only,” because, after all, one must keep a fine social club exclusive and restricted, right?
But those who would leap to such conclusions about yacht clubs most likely have never seen one up close and personally, perhaps because they live far from major waterways where such organizations are less common.
But for those who live here in New Jersey, where yacht clubs are located in virtually every coastal town, most folks realize that the average American yacht club is neither pretentious nor solely self serving.
Consider the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City (YCSIC).
As it occasionally is with many fine “sailing” organizations, many members of the YCSIC don’t sail at all, and many don’t even own boats (either stink pots or wind riders).
They do, however, all seem to have one thing in common: camaraderie. Additionally, these yacht club members know how to enjoy life and give something back to their community as well, which makes them a fine group to know.
For example, earlier this summer, members of the YCSIC hosted their 2007 Fashion Show, entitled Sail into Summer, the proceeds from which were donated to The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund to help battle cancer.
Additionally, each Fourth of July, swarms of club volunteers organize and run Sea Isle City’s Junior Olympics, which gives local kids a chance to compete for medals in jumping, running and throwing competitions.
This year, 41 yacht club members hosted the event, lead by J.B. Flora and Commodore Wendi Caulfield, and nearly 560 children participated with more than 80 of the youngsters walking home with medals.
During the Junior Olympics, there was the feeling of an old-fashioned hometown Fourth of July pulsing through the air, and it gave Sea Isle’s children a sense of what community is all about: cheering on your neighbors and giving them praise even when they fail. All that was missing were the crowns of laurel.
Obviously, not every event the YCSIC hosts is designed to be a charitable endeavor, unless, of course, you consider friendship to be a lifesaver.
According to long time yacht club member Richard Biddle, who also served as the club’s commodore in 1999, being part of the YCSIC is more than just belonging to a social organization, it’s like being part of a family.
“The friendships we’ve made over the years there are invaluable,” says Biddle. “These people have become so meaningful to us. It’s not that you just get to know them, it’s as though it’s our place and we belong there. It’s where people want to be. The family aroma is strong there.”
Phyllis Biddle, Richard’s wife, wholeheartedly agrees. “When I walk in the front door of the yacht club, it is like walking through my own front door. The small town feel in this friendly club is wonderful.”
Inside their Venicean Road location, club members enjoy an old wall hanging inscribed with the words: “There Is No Substitute For Friendship.”
Its message has long been the backbone of the organization, and it will, no doubt, continue to guide its members into the future.
A good thing for them, considering that even if could afford to own the finest vessel on the seas, what good would it be if you had no friends with whom to share her?
What’s On Deck?
July 20
Ellie’s Famous Hoagie Sale
Benefits Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Sea Isle City Post 1963. Order in advance: 609-263-1711
