The Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club was organized in 1904 by Daniel Robinson, who also became the club's first Commodore. CYC is thought to be one of the oldest, continually active, inland waters yacht clubs in the United States.
According to its By-laws, "CYC shall function as a yacht club and a lake association of Lake Cobbosseecontee," and membership is open to absolutely anyone with an interest in the lake!
The overall purpose of the CYC is to promote the appreciation and wise use of the lake, protect its natural beauty, promote boating and water safety, and promote the overall improvement of water quality. And clearly on the CYC top priority list at this time in history is the constant fight against invasive aquatic plants and the issue of phosphorus run-off. CYC and its membership certainly recognizes the need for lake preservation. It has become a top priority indeed!
CYC also sponsors social activities such as "Boat-in/Drive-ins" that take place on almost a weekly basis in the summer, an Annual Meeting on the second Sunday in July at the Augusta Country Club, a popular annual Concert on the Lake in Horseshoe Cove held on the fourth Saturday of July, sailing regattas held in conjunction with the Cobbossee sailing fleet, and of course it remains dedicated to the preservation of its historic 1908 lighthouse on Ladies Delight Island.
Other important responsibilities of CYC are that it maintains the Herman Boas Scholarship that funds camperships to the State YMCA Camp of Maine which helps young campers develop an interest in our special lake, and also financially supports organizations such as the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, the Cobbossee Watershed District, and the Maine Congress of Lake Associations.
In fact, during the summer of 2006, the CYC began to help fund the Courtesy Boat Inspection Program sponsored by the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, whose mission is, "To support and improve the 28 lakes and streams of the Cobbossee Watershed." That funding covered paid boat inspectors at two boat launch facilities on Lake Cobbosseecontee with the CYC share originally at $3,120. $10 of members dues goes directly to that support. The remaining funding along with all administrative costs is provided by the Friends, who also support similar programs on other lakes within their jurisdiction.
CYC committed to continue support for that program during the following summers and currently supports that critical Friend's program as well as its Youth Plant Patrol (YPP) which is committed to early discovery of any invasive plant species. The name of the game is definitely lake preservation!
Clearly, the CYC, with over 100 years of history, is not just a yacht club. It is a vital, modern lake association and membership is kept informed of all activities through the publication of periodic newsletters and flyers as well as this website that you are currently visiting.
Than you for visiting, come back again, and give serious consideration to helping CYC with its commitment by becoming a member! Click here for the Membership page.
Remember to click on all small photos for further information.
Fawn Mason, one of the many guides so important to the tourists some 100 years ago.
This site has been created by the CYC and is brought to you courtesy of Clark Marine of Manchester, Maine. "Fun on the water starts at Clark Marine!"
