Buck’s Harbor Yacht Club, for many of its members, represents a world apart from their lives during the rest of the year. It becomes a respite from the demands of the present and an opportunity to renew the spirit and regain perspective. Simplicity and self-reliance are the focus of the Club, and this is evident through its traditions of race teas and picnics and the emphasis on cooperation, volunteerism and the interaction of the generations.
Sailing has always been the common interest and bond at Buck’s either through junior sailing, racing, cruising or just messing around in boats. Everyone has a good story about a particularly notable summer. The original racing fleet consisted of gaff rigged Dark Harbor 12’s and Manchester 17’s and, although these have given way to Ensigns and 420’s, there is a continuing love for the beauty of classic, traditional boats and an emphasis on seamanship as well as racing tactics.
Buck’s is a family club, and it is common to see the retired professor sailing with his granddaughter or the teenager dancing with a youngster for the Virginia Reel. The interaction of these generations is at the core of BHYC’s unique world.
Preserving these traditions would not be possible without the spirit of volunteerism that in itself is a tradition at Buck’s. Although there are paid attendants and sailing instructors, the daily activities and functions of the Club are the result of many hours of dedicated work by people who want to preserve a place that provides sanctuary and sanity and offers its members a community of cooperation and interaction.
Founded over a century ago, Buck’s Harbor Yacht Club has provided, and continues to provide, an oasis of stability and caring in an otherwise changing and chaotic world. The simplicity of this life celebrates a sense of belonging and connection that perpetuates the love and sense of place that many share for BHYC.
