Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena, MD, sits high on a hill overlooking the mouths of Rock Creek and the Patapsco River. That was not always the case, however. We were founded in 1908, when a group of power boaters formed the Maryland Motor Boat Club. Our original clubhouse was built on the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River adjacent to Ferry Bar Point. Sailors started joining the burgeoning ranks, and in 1919 our name was changed to Maryland Yacht Club. Soon thereafter, Western Maryland Railroad bought the property where the clubhouse stood, forcing a move.
With limited funds, the 138 members purchased the former yacht of President Grover Cleveland, Violet, which became a floating clubhouse tied at the foot of the Hanover Street Bridge. Needing more space still, the yacht club struck a deal with the city of Baltimore to lease a building on the grounds of Broening Park, the current location of Harbor Hospital. Elected officials, socialites, and prominent businessmen swelled the roster. Twenty thousand spectators came to watch Baltimore’s first-ever powerboat races during the opening weekend in 1925. By 1929, there were 665 members and 188 slips in the basin. Powerboat racing was a mainstay on the yacht club’s calendar. The most prominent racer was Guy Lombardo, who skippered his boat in the races out on Middle Branch.
The yacht club was not immune to catastrophe, however. During Labor Day weekend in 1975, while the majority of members were enjoying a cruise to St. Michaels, the clubhouse caught fire and burned to the ground. Despite low morale, and not much cash in reserve, the current clubhouse rose from the ashes.
Today, MYC is a fun-loving and friendly yacht club with 120 deep water slips in a well-protected basin and easy access to the Bay. With full dining and lounge, wedding accommodations, swimming pool, fuel dock, club cruises, youth sailing program, and a calendar full of events, MYC is the place to be. We will host open houses February 21 and March 20 at 2 p.m. Discounted memberships are currently available. Stop by for a visit. mdyc.org
