The Anchor Bay Yachting
Association (ABYA) was formed in 1967 due to the rapid
increase in the popularity of boating in the Anchor Bay/Lake
St. Clair area and the problems that were developing related
to boating and boaters.
The first commodore of the ABYA was Don Green, P/C of
North Star Sail Club, who was the one that was instrumental
in laying the groundwork for the formation of this
organization. His Bridge consisted of Vice-Commodore Frank
Richey, P/C Bayside Yacht Club and Secretary/Treasurer Ed
Menninger, P/C Bayside Yacht Club.
Ed Menninger designed, and was accepted by the group,
the official burgee for the Anchor Bay Yachting Association,
which is still used today. He also did the artwork for the
individual membership cards and certificates of membership,
which member clubs would display in their clubhouse.
The requirements for clubs wishing to become members of
ABYA were that they be chartered by the State of Michigan,
have at least 20 members, and be willing to pay an annual
membership due.
Charter members to this organization were: Bayside
Yacht Club, Belvidere Boat Club, Chrysler Yacht Club (now
North Channel Yacht Club), Clinton River Boat Club, Conger
Bay Boat Club, Huron Pointe Yacht Club, North Star Sail
Club, Poorman’s
Yacht Club, and Sand Pointe Yacht Club.
As the Association took on more responsibilities and
became more involved in activities, it became evident that
additional officers were needed to help with the work. The
Secretary / Treasurer’s office was split into two separate
offices, and later the list of officers was expanded to
include the Rear Commodore (Kenny Pearce, P/C Poorman’s
Yacht
Club), with the office of Fleet Captain to follow. |
