Corinthian Yacht Club History
Marblehead was a thriving summer resort in the second half of the nineteenth century, and yachting events drew a large following. The well-established Eastern and Boston Yacht Clubs were involved in what was considered large boat racing, but there was such strong interest in smaller racing vessels (between 16 and 30 feet) that a new yacht club was organized on Marblehead Neck, the club that became the Corinthian Yacht Club. "Corinthian" means a devotee of amateur sports, especially a yachtsman, and a stipulation for Corinthian yachtsmen was that they could not have paid crew. Corinthian Yacht Club was organized on July 7, 1885, and Irving S. Palmer was chosen as chairman. The Club's certificate of incorporation was filed on January 17, 1888, listing as members Benjamin W. Crowninshield, John B. Rhodes, Irving S. Palmer, Everett Paine, Frank E. Peabody, William S. Eaton Jr., George A. Stewart, William W. Whitcomb, George W. Tyner and C.H.W. Foster. The Club now had yachtsmen and summer residents as officers to oversee its operation. The first commodore was Benjamin W. Crowninshield, who was related to then-Secretary of the Navy Crowninshield. The vice commodore was Irving S. Palmer, and the Club's secretary was Everett Paine, who remained in that office until 1906 when he was succeeded by Herbert Goodwin. The treasurer was John B. Rhodes, and he held this position from 1885 to 1905. The first regatta chairman was Mr. E.H. Tarbell, who relinquished the position to George A. Stewart in 1889. Charles H.W. Foster was the Club's first yacht measurer. The initial membership total was sixty-five dollars. Annual dues in 1885 were set at five dollars with no initiation fee. By 1889, the dues had climbed to ten dollars per year. The founders chose the flying horse of Corinth, Pegasus, as its emblem, and Et Certare Pares et Respondere Parati (meaning "Prepared both to contend together as equals and to respond to any challenge") as the Club motto. The Club thrived that first year. The membership "males only" quickly climbed to eighty-two, with forty-four boats racing. Within a very short time, Corinthian Yacht Club began hosting many important small boat races, which significantly contributed to the establishment of Marblehead as the yachting capital of the world. During the early years of the Club, the officers rented two cottages located on Sparhawk Point, but the Club continued to grow and was soon in need of more space. The first clubhouse was built and lasted until 1896. A new clubhouse was opened in 1898 and although modified from time to time, it continues in its seasonal operation. It was in 1891 that Corinthian held its first cruise to Bar Harbor, Maine. This turned out to be a huge success and was followed by many more annual pilgrimages to harbors around New England. By 1898, the most important event of the season was Midsummer Race Week, which proved to be the most popular event hosted by Corinthian. Non-members were able to participate in the event by invitation. During the early 1900s, the regatta turned into a full week of racing, drawing sailors from around the country. Marblehead Race Week continues, with all eligible yachts invited to participate.
Corinthian Yacht Club flourished and prospered over the years. It expanded its facilities by adding a men's bar shortly before 1920. Prohibition did not stop activities at the bar, for individual lockers were added to accommodate the storage of private stock. These now-unused lockers can be seen in the bar, with the members' club numbers still attached to their doors. The Harbor Room and veranda were added during the 1920s. The veranda initially faced down the harbor and continued around to the wall facing Fort Sewall, though this portion of the veranda was enclosed and now is part of the main dining room. A swimming pool was opened in 1937, and with the acquisition of additional property, tennis courts were installed. During 1964, the Club increased parking by purchasing land off Corinthian Lane, and a crane pier was added to the waterfront in 1973. Over the years, many world-renowned individuals visited Corinthian Yacht Club. Prominent among them was Sir Thomas Lipton, who in 1914 donated a cup that remains on display in the Trophy Room. During 1925 and 1926, the presidential yacht Mayflower anchored off Corinthian when President Calvin Coolidge made his summer White House in Swampscott and used the Corinthian waterfront. In 1997, Corinthian hosted USS Constitution when she came to Marblehead, sailing under her own power for the first time in 116 years. In 1891 Corinthian established races for women and by 1910 Corinthian women were able to use the dining room. It was not until after World War II that women were permitted to enter the Club bar, and not until 1985 that they were admitted to full membership. Today Corinthian women participate in all activities and chair a number of committees. Marblehead remains the yachting capital of the world, and Corinthian Yacht Club has made significant contributions toward that accomplishment. Throughout these many years, Corinthian Yacht Club has made yachting racing and cruising history, for which all members can be justifiably proud. Members of Corinthian Yacht Club may also take pride in the Club's numerous facilities and its many achievements that have taken place since that opening day of July 7, 1885. David W. Graham
Club Historian
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