Honor Yacht Club Anniversary

19, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its exceptional recreational institutions; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 148th Commissioning of the North Shore Yacht Club of Port Washington, New York, to be celebrated at a Ceremony and a Welcome Reception on Saturday, May 19, 2018; and WHEREAS, The North Shore Yacht Club is a traditional, family yacht club committed to the encouragement and promotion of yachting and other recreational and social activities for its members and their families; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1871, the North Shore Yacht Club is among the foremost pioneers of yachting in America; since 1933, it has been located on the northern shore of Manhasset Bay; and WHEREAS, North Shore Yacht Club has traditionally appealed to sailing families; as often stated, the club's red burgee with its single horizontal white stripe is simple because there were only about 35 clubs in the United States when it was approved, leading to a simple credo: Tradition - with simplicity; and WHEREAS, North Shore Yacht Club was originally started as the New York Canoe Club by William L. Alden who had a great interest in sailing canoes; the first meetings were held at Hickman's Restaurant on Nassau Street in Manhattan; and WHEREAS, In 1879, the New York Canoe Club moved into its first clubhouse on Staten Island, at a time when canoe racing had become very popular in the United States and England; the American Canoe Association was organized on Lake George, and William L. Alden was chosen as its first Commodore; and WHEREAS, Then followed locations at Stapleton, Staten Island, and Bensonhurst on Gravesend Bay, Brooklyn; in 1920, the Club moved to Long Island Sound leasing the old Garrison's Inn at Fort Totten; and WHEREAS, Victor Ostling, an active member of the Club, acquired a barge from Moran tugs which served as their clubhouse at a government dock at Fort Totten until 1933, when it was towed to Port Washington and tied up at Copp's Boatyard; and WHEREAS, Later, Victor Ostling purchased property just to the East, the Club's present address; he offered $30,000 if members would raise $10,000 for walkways and a dock with provision for a generous renewable

25-year lease; and WHEREAS, In 1960, Vice-Commodore F. R. Gruger designed the present clubhouse, and it was dedicated in that same year; and WHEREAS, After Victor Ostling passed away in 1988, members purchased the club from his widow, Linnea; upon her death, she graciously bequeathed $50,000 to the Club, which constructed new floats, galley, launch and gangplank; and WHEREAS, In the early years canoes were used for cruising, sometimes overnight, and for racing; the New York Canoe Club established the International Challenge Cup in 1885, and the first challenge came the next year from the Royal Canoe Club, with New York earning the victory; and WHEREAS, The United States successfully defended the Cup in 1888,

1933, and it was 1952 before the Americans won it again; and WHEREAS, Even before the Club moved to its present location, many cruisers and sailboats were in the fleet; today the Club conducts several races, and members take part in Long Island Sound and Cow Bay races; and WHEREAS, Members can vie for the Snyder Cup, the Borden Cup, the Ostling Cup, the Smith Cup, the Klor Cup, the Commodore's Cup, the Freedom Cup, the Reiman Trophy, the Epstein Trophy and the Rosenberg Trophy, as well as the Loda Trophy for distance cruising; and WHEREAS, In 2002, Past Commodore Yehuda Rosenstock initiated the annual "Moonlight Regatta" overnight race to Connecticut with breakfast at the Club the next morning hosted by the winner, which has since become a perennial favorite; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, members continue to maintain the clubhouse, docks, parking lot and launches; they also enjoy water recreation and summer festivities while also giving back to the community; and WHEREAS, The rich history of the North Shore Yacht Club has formed it into the prominent organization it is today; in so effectively carrying out its mission, the Club exemplifies a spirit of community pride, and demonstrates the values of generosity, cooperative effort and enduring fellowship; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 148th Commissioning of the North Shore Yacht Club of Port Washington, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Roger Lifson, Fleet Captain, North Shore Yacht Club.