Honor Huntington Yacht Club Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1331 BY: Senator GAUGHRAN COMMEMORATING the 125th Commissioning of the Huntington Yacht Club on May 4, 2019 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 125th Commissioning of the Huntington Yacht Club, to be celebrated at an event on Saturday, May 4, 2019; and WHEREAS, The Huntington Yacht Club (HYC) 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, On September 15, 1894, HYC was organized to promote social intercourse, create an interest in yachting and other aquatic sports, and provide a suitable and convenient Clubhouse, anchorage and harbor or basin for the use of its members; and WHEREAS, By 1906, the Club consisted of many prominent members and "excellent sailing and powerboats moored in the cove that formed our anchorage."; and WHEREAS, In the 1920s, several younger Club members created the Suicide Class of small-boat racing, and by 1930, the widespread popularity of it brought national prominence to HYC; during this time, the Clubhouse was expanded and membership increased; and WHEREAS, During World War II, many members joined the Armed Forces or the United States Coast Guard Reserves and Coast Guard Auxiliary; the first Coast Guard Flotilla in the area, Flotilla 12-04 included over 30% of HYC membership, some of whom donated their boats to the Coast Guard for patrol work; and WHEREAS, On November 9, 1959, a fire destroyed the Clubhouse and most of the Club's archives; after extensive repairs, the new facility was ready by June 1, 1960, and its Commissioning was attended by 250 people; and WHEREAS, There was a great deal of expansion during the 1960s; a marina was added, a swimming pool was constructed, new membership categories were created, and racing and social activities were held year round; and WHEREAS, Women have always been actively involved in various HYC activities such as Frostbite races, the Skipper Moore Ladies Races, and more recently, the Women's Spirit Race; in 1967, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed to promote ladies' social activities; since then, the Auxiliary has become a major HYC entity, raising substantial funds for Club improvements and charitable causes; and WHEREAS, During the 1980s and 1990s, HYC continued to grow; the Marina was expanded to hold over 90 boats, and major renovations were made to the Clubhouse, docks, pool areas, and snack bar; under the helm of the next few administrations, the North Dock was rebuilt with upgraded electrical service to accommodate larger boats; land, beachfront, and associated riparian rights of the property were purchased on its northern border; the Marina maintenance dredging project was completed; and an Endowment Fund was created for the future financial security of HYC; and WHEREAS, In 2006 and 2007, the Club underwent major exterior and interior work; in January of 2008, a flood caused by a frozen pipe nearly destroyed the interior of the Clubhouse, however, repairs were completed in time to reopen the Club for the Change of Watch in February; and WHEREAS, Through the next few years, there were many more major improvements; on October 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy wrought great havoc to HYC, causing major power outages, flooding and severe damage to the lower floor of the building, the workshop and pool buildings, as well as the docks and parking lot; fortunately, members and employees worked together to make repairs and restorations, and by 2013 they were completed; and WHEREAS, Throughout the years, HYC has offered numerous social and official events including summer cruises, musical extravaganzas, Karaoke Nights, Social Sunday, Bluefish Tournament, Mother Daughter Sunday Brunch, and the Men's Dinner Evening; and WHEREAS, Devoted to its community and the environment, HYC is actively in a variety of environmental projects to protect the area's waters and shorelines; the Club's junior sailing and swim programs are open to young people from the community, and Division 22 and Flotilla

11, 2001; and WHEREAS, In 2000, HYC presented a new trophy, the HYC Annual Charity Cup to the overall winner of the HYC Charity Race which has benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation; seven years later, the Race raised substantial funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Fund; and WHEREAS, From 2008-2012, the Ladies Auxiliary had made generous donations to the Family Service League, Huntington Hospital Cardiac Unit, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Memorial Hospital in Commack, New York, and to other hospital services, as well as other charities; the Auxiliary also holds food, toy and clothing drives for the poor, and collects gifts for orphaned children; and WHEREAS, In 2014, HYC conducted its sixth Veterans' Appreciation Day, welcoming over 200 veterans and their families; and WHEREAS, Through the tireless and dedicated efforts of many, HYC members continue to enjoy the challenges and joys of the sea and the relaxing camaraderie among friends when they return to home port; and WHEREAS, The rich history of the Huntington 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 125th Commissioning of the Huntington Yacht Club; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Huntington Yacht Club.