Club History

The concept for the Mathews Yacht Club was created by and for its members in 1947 and the Club was chartered in 1949. Those members devoted themselves to the purpose of developing an informal “boating club” with no facilities, to its present-day status as one of the friendliest and most distinctive clubs on the Southern Chesapeake Bay.  

In 1999, an official history was published to commemorate the Club’s 50th anniversary. A committee including Captain William F. Story, Earl Soles, Jr., Rear Admiral Donald P. Roane, Tim Pickle and Betty Wrenn Day, along with many other past and present members, extensively researched newspaper and historic records to develop this publication.

With the end of World War II, formal and informal wartime sanctions against recreational boating were lifted. Many began to again enjoy outings on local waters. During this period, the Mathews Sail and Power Boat Racing Association was formed. In 1947, the Mathews Yacht Club was formally organized with approximately fifty members who met at the Mathews High School.

While racing events were the Club’s priority the officers and directors began a search for a permanent home. They finally chose and purchased property on Stutts Creek because of its depth of water and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. 

The Mathews Yacht Club was chartered on June 2, 1949. Sixty members subscribed to stock for a clubhouse. Many Club members were involved in the construction process of preparing a clubhouse site and building a temporary pier. On May 13, 1950, the Mathews Yacht Club was dedicated at a ceremony featuring special guests and dignitaries. An oyster roast followed, and the celebration continued well into the night!

In the decades that followed, a pool was added, and the porch was enclosed. Social events grew in popularity, and the kitchen was remodeled to offer expanded dining choices. The new Coast Guard station on Milford Haven resulted in membership growth, especially with members from Hampton Roads and Richmond.  And, as the number of boats at the Club increased, a third pier was built, and the clubhouse was expanded.

The Mathews Yacht Club also became a full member of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Clubs Association, which led to an increased number of agreements providing members with reciprocal privileges to enjoy the finest yacht clubs on the Chesapeake Bay. Refurbishment and reconstruction during the last 20 years have continued to enhance the Club’s appeal to boaters and non-boaters alike. In the last two years, with the leadership of new board members, the creation of advisory committees and more member input, plans for future improvements are being developed based on sound fiscal management standards. In addition, dozens of member volunteers have contributed their time and talents to make major improvements to the interior of the clubhouse, as well as to the grounds, at no cost to the Club.  

Our story continues, and the Mathews Yacht Club continues to offer its members a unique experience in a beautiful setting. Whether you own a boat or not, it is a place for friendship, good food, enjoyable events and memory-making. We welcome you aboard!