History of the Orleans Yacht Club
The Club was chartered, and incorporated, as the Orleans Yacht Club, Inc. on September 22, 1947. Founding members included Harry Snow, Edgar Downs, Helen Smith, Mrs. Norman Downs, Dr. Fred Raddin and Jarrett Blodgett, who became the first Commodore. The express purpose of the Club as stated in the Charter was, and still is, for "the purpose of encouraging yacht building, sailing, promoting interest in yachting and aquatic sports, as well as social interaction among its members."
The first Clubhouse was Edgar Downs' boat house located in the southwest corner of Town Cove. Although the original building has been modified, it is still visible today as a guest cottage. The Clubhouse, in something close to its current configuration, was built on land donated by Henry K. Cummings of Orleans. It has been enlarged over the years and underwent a total kitchen renovation in 2006. For the off-season storage of the Club's motor and sail boats, trailers and other marine items, the OYC rents a storage facility on Commerce Way in Orleans.
Orleans was first settled in 1693 by Pilgrims from the Plymouth Colony. Originally the southern parish of neighboring Eastham, Orleans was officially incorporated in 1797. Orleans is now the largest commercial center on the lower (outer) part of Cape Cod and is situated between Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The town’s Nauset Beach, on the Atlantic, is part of Nauset Spit which is the southern part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The population of Orleans is approximately 7,000 year round residents and swells to over 22,000 during the summer months. Orleans is 90 miles south of Boston, MA and about the same distance southeast of Providence, RI.
Organization of the OYC
The operation of the Club is directed by the Executive Committee which in turn is led by five Flag Officers: Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Secretary and Treasurer. The Secretary is the Clerk of the corporation. Each Flag Officer is elected annually by the membership; however current policy is that each Flag Officer serves a two year term. Please click here for the list of the Club's current officers.
The Commodore is the "CEO" of the OYC and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Club, enforcing it's Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, presiding at all Executive Committee meetings, the Annual Membership meetings, and any other Special Membership meetings. Additionally, the Commodore shall be a member, ex oficio, of all subordinate committees. The Commodore is one of the five Flag Officers and is the President of the Robert Radtke Memorial Fund, Inc.
The Vice Commodore assists the Commodore when called upon and oversees and guides the Rear Commodore in the performance of his/her duties. In the Commodore's absence, the Vice Commodore undertakes the Commodore's responsibilities. The Vice Commodore oversees the planning and operation of the Junior Sailing Program and is a Director of the Robert Radtke Memorial Fund, Inc.
The Rear Commodore Chair's the Marine Committees and performs any duties related to the procurement, use and maintenance of the Club's Marine property and facilites includes boats, floats, and the mooring field. Additionally, the Rear Commodore serves as a Director of the Robert Radtke Memorial Fund, Inc. and manages its publicity and communications.
The normal progression of the Commodore's office is Rear Commodore, 2 years, Vice Commodore, 2 years, and Commodore, 2 years. This service is followed by an additional two year term as Past Commodore for a total commitment of eight years.
The balance of the Executive Committee includes the following positions: two House Chair(s), two Entertainment Committee Chair(s), the Membership Committee Chair, the Race Committee Chair, a Corinthian Representative, and three Member Directors.
Volunteer Opportunities
Because of its not-for-profit orientation and limited revenue sources, the Club depends heavily on volunteerism by its members and considers an applicant's attitude toward service and likely involvement on committees and work parties in the review process. Volunteer Coordinators distribute members' preferences to the appropriate committee chairs. For a list and description of the various Club committees, please click here.