On a warm summer day in June 1966 a group of yachtsmen at the BOATEL MARINA (now Tugboat) was standing on the docks having a good time laughing and telling jokes when Vernal Furbush, owner of the BOATEL, came down on the wharf and wanted to know why we didn't start some sort of a "FUN CLUB" because the group was always getting together on one boat or another having such a good time.
It was talked over amongst the yachtsmen in the Marina and adjoining docks and they thought it sounded like a good idea. We told Mr. Furbush that we would start a club and he offered us a room, in what was the old Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, where we could hold our activities.
On September 17th, 1966 a meeting was called; an agenda was prepared so that the meeting would cover all pertinent points. At this time Janie Hart seemed to be the prime mover in getting the project into gear.
Ahoy DEYC Members and Friends
As the Maine boating season approaches, we look forward to seeing our burgees flying in the
harbor, on our boats, motoring, mooring, and at the dock. Take care in launching and cruising
your vessels for a carefree boating season.
I hope that you were able to attend some of the off-season gatherings in Maine or Florida. The
photographs and articles in the Boothbay Register certainly convey the great times had by all.
The boating season calendar of events found in the roster and on the website starts with the
Commodore’s brunch in May and extends thru September. I look forward to seeing the many
smiling faces of the club and welcome you and your friends to the many opportunities to gather
for fun and camaraderie. Visit our informative website for a full schedule of events and other
entertaining and administrative material.
The annual Cruise begins July 7 and extends for a week. Look up the details on the website and
join your fellow boaters in this adventure down east – all are welcome and encouraged to be a
part of the fleet.
Our club runs on volunteers, take time to look at the roster, the committees, the cruise, and the
events. Put your name forward to help with activities that are of interest.
We are fortunate to have the support of our club members and the community here in
Boothbay. Special thanks go to Luke’s Boatyard, Blake’s Boatyard, The Tugboat Inn for hosting
many of our activities. Your Bridge, Board of Directors, Administrative Assistant, Committees,
and hosts deserve a warm round of applause for all that they do.
We have an exciting and vibrant fun club, supported by all who give freely of their talents. For
anyone interested in boating and being involved our club will welcome you. Look forward to
seeing everyone soon.
If our burgee is flying on Dragonfly at the Tugboat stop by and say HI. Enjoy another wonderful
Maine summer on the water.
Your Commodore
Brent Pope
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OFFICERSCommodore Board of DirectorsP/C George Hamilton |
2023-2024Aaron Rugh 2023-20242024 |
The purpose of the Down East Yacht Club is to create friendships and share boating knowledge as we participate in coastal Maine boating together. Whether under sail or power, all passionate boaters are welcome. We’re based out of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, but have members from all over the country. A full calendar of events, cruises, and get togethers is planned for the Maine boating season. And, winter gatherings happen monthly in Maine and Florida. Since we do not have an actual clubhouse to maintain, our dues are minimal.
The coast of Maine is an amazing place to explore. Our organized cruises are the highlights of membership with unique ports, breathtaking wildlife, rugged coastline, and lasting memories made with fellow boaters. It is all about having fun on the water.
BENEFITS OF BELONGING TO DEYC
Access to boating facilities, including:
Boothbay Harbor Tug Boat in-town designated dock space
Boothbay Harbor moorings
Mooring share program
Yearly Cruises exploring the coastal waters of Maine:
Summer week-long cruise in July
3-day mini cruise in August
Monthly day trips and raft-ups along the Maine coast
A full calendar of events:
Social events happen all year long
Opportunities to meet and socialize with dedicated, fun-loving boaters of all ages
Opportunities to improve boating skills; navigation, exploration, safety and maintenance
Local community involvement, such as participation in the Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days.
Dues are affordable ($150 annually) since the DEYC does not incur facility costs associated with a clubhouse and launch service.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Must be a passionate, fun-loving boater who aspires to the goals of the DEYC
Must own a sail- or powerboat and be a minimum of 21 years of age
Should be willing to volunteer at club events
Each new member shall volunteer a minimum of two DEYC events during their first year of membership
Must have two sponsors (with one sponsor writing a letter of recommendation)
Must attend a DEYC event before applying; or in special circumstances where attending an event is not possible, a conference call/interview can be arranged with the applicant and respective board and membership members.
Must fill out the attached application ($100 Application Fee) - click below to download:
STEPS TO BECOMING A DEYC MEMBER
Complete the DEYC Application, include the first sponsor letter along with the non refundable $100 application fee, and send to the DEYC office. c/o Kate Winslow P.O. Box 845, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
The Membership Committee will then review the application and make a recommendation to the Executive Committee.
Upon approval, from the Executive Committee, the DEYC office provides a welcome package, including web page, members only, log on details.
The first sponsor will serve as the new member “ambassador” and make introductions and ensure attendance requirements have been met.
Should there be any questions or assistance in providing membership guidance, we encourage you to reach out to our Membership Facilitator.
Need Membership info? Contact our Membership Facilitator