Beachwood Yacht Club

Beachwood Yacht Club originated as the Polyhue Yacht Club in the early 1920s, a small but ambitious sailing group that quickly gained popularity. By 1924, it was hosting races and establishing a strong presence on Barnegat Bay, but financial challenges during the Great Depression led to its dissolution in 1933. After a series of ownership transitions, the Borough of Beachwood acquired the property in 1939, repurposing the clubhouse as a community center. Throughout this period, a dedicated group of sailors continued to foster a passion for sailing, forming the foundation of what would officially become Beachwood Yacht Club in 1947. With a growing membership, the club expanded its sailing programs, developed junior training initiatives, and strengthened its ties to local racing associations.

The 1970s brought increasing pressures as other organizations sought the club’s space, prompting concerns about its long-term viability. Despite securing a renewed lease in 1974, the club faced deteriorating facilities, financial struggles, and even vandalism. However, its sailors continued to earn national and international recognition, including titles in the Adams Cup and America’s Cup. A devastating fire in 1978 forced members to store club possessions elsewhere, but determination prevailed, leading to the construction of a new clubhouse in 1981. That same year, the club acquired a controversial yet indispensable houseboat hull, which contributed to a major racing victory in 1983. As the club modernized, it introduced programs that strengthened junior sailing, reinforcing its status within the Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Association.

Over the following decades, Beachwood Yacht Club evolved while maintaining its core traditions. Membership remained strong, particularly among junior sailors, who continued to earn prestigious accolades. Major facility upgrades, including a rebuilt deck and heating installation in 2007, transformed B.Y.C. into a year-round venue, enhancing its social and competitive offerings. The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1989 and its 70th in 2009, marking milestones in its enduring commitment to camaraderie, competition, and a deep-rooted passion for sailing. Even as the years passed, Beachwood Yacht Club remained a vital force in the sailing community, balancing tradition with forward-thinking initiatives.