A Thank You From Marblehead's Eastern Yacht Club

The following information was submitted by the Eastern Yacht Club: 

Since the unfortunate fire that occurred in the Eastern Yacht Club’s Main Clubhouse starting just before midnight on the evening of June 12th, the encouragement and support that the Club has received from so many sources has been incredible.

During the course of the event, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, the entire Marblehead Fire Department and the supporting Fire Departments from the area were able to restrict structural damage to as small an area as possible.  Thanks to their incredible efforts, not only is the Clubhouse in better shape than we could have hoped for, but the artifacts were saved.  Many of the artifacts were wholly undamaged, and those that had some minor damage appear to be fully restorable.

While stored offsite for safety purposes as we restore the building, they will once again be on display when the Clubhouse is reopened.  Everyone at the Club is very grateful to the Fire Department and the expertise of its members.  The Town of Marblehead should be very proud of the entire Department, and particularly of Chief Gilliland who was so kind to those of our members who were present during the fire. 

The Club has received great support from its fellow Yacht Clubs and from the Peabody Essex Museum, experts from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Board of Selectmen, the Conservation Commission, the Planning Department, the Building Department and others.  Town Manager Jeffrey Chelgren and Selectman James E. Nye were on site after the fire and several of the other Selectmen have been in contact with the Club voicing their support.

While the Clubhouse is a bit “soggy”, Marblehead Municipal Light worked with, and will continue to work with, the electrical contractor to get the power back to the building which, coupled with generators and extensive work by SERVPRO, will assist in drying out the building.  

We at the Club have great hope that we may be able to open up part of the first floor with dining and related service for our Members at some point in the near future.   That is the overall goal the Club has for its Members and for those in the community who visit the Club.  As for the other Club operations, will continue to operate, without interruption; the Race Committee has been on the water running races and all other programs will continue, as planned.  

With hard work by many, we all know that the Eastern Yacht Club will again be back in full operation with the building fully resorted to its historic beauty.

Thanks to all who have been so supportive.

Frank P. Morse III

Commodore