Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club
 | |
| Short name | NNYC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1864 (Neenah Yacht Club), 1905 (Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club) |
| Location | Neenah, Wisconsin |
| Website | www |
The Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club (NNYC) is a yacht club located in Neenah, Wisconsin, on the northern shore of Lake Winnebago. It was originally founded as the Neenah Yacht Club in 1864 and merged with the Nodaway Yacht Club in 1905.[1]
Mission
The club’s stated goals include promoting sailing and racing under standardized rules, encouraging cost-effective boat building, and fostering the development of a strong sailing community on Lake Winnebago.[2]
History
Yacht racing on Lake Winnebago was first documented in 1859. The Neenah Yacht Club was active by 1863, with its founding listed in Lloyd's Register of American Yachts as 1864.[1] Throughout the late 19th century, interest in sailing varied, with several local yacht clubs forming in nearby towns such as Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.
The Nodaway Yacht Club was established in 1894, initially focused on promoting cat yawl sailing. Prominent local families, including members of the Kimberly and Sherry families, were involved in its formation. In 1905, the Nodaway and Neenah clubs merged to form the current Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club.[1]
During the early 20th century, the club actively participated in regional regattas and promoted racing in Class A scows. The club hosted the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA) regatta in Neenah in 1923 and on several occasions thereafter.
Like many yacht clubs, the NNYC experienced a decline during the Great Depression and again during World War II. Despite these challenges, the club continued to support junior sailing programs and training activities, including for Navy trainees from Lawrence University during the war.
Post-war years saw a shift toward smaller boats and fiberglass hulls. The club introduced fleets such as the Lightning class and later the M-20 and Flying Scot classes. In the 1970s, new classes including the Laser and cruising fleets gained popularity, along with expanded sailing school programming.
Present day
NNYC supports racing and recreational sailing on Lake Winnebago. Its fleets include J/24, Flying Scot, and Laser boats. The club also supports the Fox Valley Sailing School and community sailing events.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Sailing for sport". The Post-Crescent. Appleton, Wisconsin. July 7, 2014. ProQuest 1543321582. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Jobson, Gary (November 2014). "Emotions Run Hot". Sailing World. ProQuest 1625585890. Retrieved November 17, 2024.