New Bedford Harbor Welcomes New York Yacht Club

NEW BEDFORD — The Port of New Bedford will welcome the New York Yacht Club August 5-6 at Pope's Island Marina. Several members of the club will begin to arrive on Monday, August 5th in the early afternoon as they race from Cuttyhunk.

"This is a historic year for the New York Yacht Club as we are celebrating our 175th anniversary. New Bedford last served as a stop on the Annual Cruise more than a century ago, in 1911. We're pleased that we can once again make this historic port a part of the Club's oldest tradition," said Fleet Captain Jim Wilson.

On Monday evening the club members will attend a dinner reception at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and will stay the night at Pope's Island Marina before departing Tuesday morning.

The cruise this year will consist of roughly 80 boats that range from 35 to 141 feet in length. The Annual Cruise is the Club's oldest tradition, dating all the way back to 1844. This year will be the 163rtd edition of the Annual Cruise.

Fairhaven resident Patty Jayson is a longtime member of the New York Yacht club and is one of the New Bedford Whaling Museum Board Members. Jayson was integral in bringing the cruise to New Bedford. " Because of my love for the harbor, I have always thought they should bring the cruise here," Ms. Jayson said.