Indian River Yacht Club celebrates 80th anniversary

Indian River Yacht Club, located on the Indian River Bay in Oak Orchard, celebrated its 80th anniversary June 12 at the clubhouse.

The club was chartered April 30, 1941, by a group of local sailboat enthusiasts. Through the years, the overall membership has grown to 250 plus subsidiary and honorary life members. The club currently hosts a boat-pier, swimming pool, working kitchen and clubhouse social area all for members to enjoy.

During the celebration, Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, and Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, presented their respective resolutions to 2021 Commodore Cliff Kerr in honor of IRYC.

Linda Walls, planning committee chair, praised committee members for their excellent work to bring the event to fruition. During the celebration, members spoke of their memories of the club through the years.

Betty Hudson of Millsboro was recognized as the longest-serving active member. She and her late husband Granville, who previously served as commodore, joined the Indian River Yacht Club in 1961. An interesting piece of club history was that the original clubhouse was located on the beach in Riverdale from 1941 until it moved to the current location in 1963.

Club members are looking forward to continuing the fun and enjoying the Indian River Yacht Club for many more years.