The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-07

HOW IT WAS CRIPPLED AND WHAT BROUGHT
IT BACK TO LIFE-THIs SEASONS PROSPECTS.
The Jersey City Yacht Club the third oldest club IN
the United States organized twenty years ago ana IN
corporated within four months OF the New YORK
Yacht Club, is stronger to-day than Ii generally sup
posed. Jersey yachtsmen have always been famous
but for years past the want Of proper organ
ization has carried many Of Thorn over to the New
York and Brooklyn clubs One OF the original moor
porators tho Jersey City Club is now an officer OF
the New York Club The latter was organized on tho
New Jersey Shore when its success depended on the
yachtsmcn OF that State and It's earlier regattas were
from It's club house at Hobokcn. In fact, the New
York Club only changed its house because OF tho
anomaly In its name and location.
THE cLuBs DECLINE.
Less than ten years ago the Jersey City Yacht CLUB
had larger membership than tho Brooklyn Club has
to-day. The club house then had a frontage on New
York Bay bat the New Jersey Central Railroad began
10 "ll in" and the house was left in difficult
position to approach. As u consequence. the member
ship gradually decreased. and tho interest ie IN the
clubs standing by the better clnss on It's roll dropped
The few who gradually obtained controi 81 u
were said 10 look upon tho organization as mutual
benefit association. At length, alter struggle 70.
formation was brought aborl DR.. Vondy was induced
10 accept the office OF Commodore.
BRIGHTER TMKs
Tho resolution bring back to Its old posi-
tion among yachting organizations was earnestly un-
gwen increased powers and instructed 70 drop the
useless element that had Slapped the clubs lie The
constitution and bylaws werc ovcrhauied, and with
Commodore Vondy's personal influence and applicn-
ton IN the matter harmony was restored The Board
OF Directors and committees reorganzed and
their respective duties and responsibilities moro
clearly defined. Then Improvements were IN order
Within months The club house was moved 10 front
on tue bay once more and breakwater was built at q
cost OF $1,000, which is paid for in iuIl.
PRESENT PROSPECTS,
Last year the expenses OF the club reached So 900,
and bo nj tha inf nd M
the annual meeting held In March last shows a tidy
balance In the treasury At that lime most OF tho old
officers elected Commodore Vondy taking tho
helm tor the third timo Mr.. George p. Merwin was
chosen Vice Commodore and the olfcc OF Tiolsurer
gwen Professor G. w. Beams, who can solve any
mathematical problem on sight and who Is adept
IN steering so0p without sails spars through
New York law court the Jersey City club house.
competent bOatkeeper at u living salary has been
engaged He is professional rigger and Il Is his duty
take all boats OF the water fortnight for
tho purpose vi cleaning them. In the summer months
assistance will be furnished tho boatkecper, that IN
the active will not have any trouble in
making sail, returning from trip tho bay,
their boats The club mouse reached from
New York tho New Jersey Central ferryboats foot
OF Liberty street, in htccu minutes Tho annual
pen TO members only thirty thirty dollars.
There Ia probability Of tho HobOkcn Yacht Clue JOIN
ing interests with the Jersey City Club The former
possesses but few boats, but has commodious house
ut Wards Point. Staten Island with extensive sccp
ing and kitchen accommodations. Such copartncr-
ship would be for the benefit OF both organizations
REGATTAS THIS SEASON
The club expects TO have Two rcgatas AZ least during
tho coming season. Tho opening event VIII be Tor
now onrollcd-the Pirate, As feet; Regina, so fcot b
Arten SO iect PIover, 81 cet and tho Mary 43 iect
The regatta will be for second class cabin soops,
those OF 40 feet under OF which there several In
the club and TOR open sloops % iect-thc latter
being we'll represented prize OF 500 IN gold VIII
probably be gwen the first class cabin sloops and
will accompany them In the race The prizes
for and third boats will also DO liberal
The days for the regatta are not yet fixed