Mission
Our purpose is to encourage safe yachting, promote sailing, cruising, yacht racing, good sportsmanship, and provide camaraderie and good fellowship to all of our members.
History
Eastern Shore Yacht Club (ESYC) at Great Oak Landing. Eastern Shore was a long established, traditional club. In 1980, a group of boaters, mostly sailors and many already members of ESYC, wanted to form a less formal group with more emphasis on activities and boating. At a dinner dance in December 1980, several of these folks got together and decided to form a new yacht club to be named Great Oak Yacht Club. To formalize this concept, they affixed their names to one of GOL's cloth dinner napkins. It is unfortunate that this napkin, which was later framed and fortunately photographed, has been lost. The following were elected to office at the first meeting: Commodore - Bob Ziegler; Vice Commodore - Derrick Tuck; Secretary - Ruth Clements; Treasurer - Bob Clements.
With the assistance of some of the early "charter" members, these folks put together a set of By-Laws, went through the non-profit incorporation procedures, and formed various committees. They did a colossal amount of work in a very short time.
In 1981, our first operating year, our membership included about 80 boats. Our first flag raising was on May 23, 1981. During that year there were several cruises, a square dance, golf tournaments, sailboat races, a field day, beach party, Monte Carlo night and several BYOB parties. Our Christmas party was held at the Philadelphia Country Club.
Our second year was difficult. The initial enthusiasm declined along with the number of activities. However, under the very persistent and capable leadership of Commodore Derrick A.C.Tuck, we overcame the apathy and survived! The offices of Rear Commodore and Fleet Captain were established. We also added more Directors. Our assets were minimal, barely covering the printing of the roster and various activities.
During the succeeding years, membership fluctuated, hovering around 80-90 boats. The marina expansion, plus our active membership chairperson at the time, Nancy Clewell, presented opportunities for our club to grow to one of the largest and best yacht clubs on the Chesapeake Bay.
Since then, GOYC has ebbed and flowed, maintaining a roster of 60 to 90 families every year. We were one of the few clubs that offered combined cruises for both power and sail boats. Our activities are geared toward all ages. We actively promote safe boating and have offered the US Coast Guard Safe Boating course to our junior members and USCG Auxiliary safety inspections. Our Bridge, Board of Directors and Committee members are all volunteers, and we are constantly looking for new "blood". Not only does this help GOYC, it enables our newer and existing members to get to know each other through service.
Membership
Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing Marina has been home to virtual Great Oak Yacht Club since 1980. As a slip holders, the Officers and Directors would like to cordially invite you and your family to become members of our Yacht Club. Your membership entitles you to participate in numerous superbly organized activities. A typical yacht club schedule usually includes the following:
- Opening Day Breakfast and Ceremony
- Epic activities like Rubber Duck Races and Dinghy Poker Runs
- Themed beach parties like luau or pirates day
- Weekend cruises organized by our Fleet Captain
- Annual Mid-Bay Cruise
- Rotating special events including boaters flea markets, USCG safety inspections
- Change of Watch and Bridge Appreciation Event
- A Roster Book including member directory
- Yacht Club Facebook page to keep you informed of our activities and events
- Slippage and events at other Chesapeake Bay yacht clubs
- Lots of opportunities to showcase your special talents and abilities through volunteerism
Great Oak Yacht Club is a risk-free investment. Because we do not own any assets, you will never be subject to capital property assessments.
Additional Membership Privileges
BoatUS Membership Discounts - As a GOYC member, you are entitled to discounts on new and renewed Boat US memberships. Our COOP Group number is GA81785Y.
Detailing Discount - Sunshine Boat Detailing and Shrink Wrap offers GOYC members a 10% discount.
Other Yacht Clubs - Great Oak Yacht Club is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club Association and the Maryland Yacht Club. This ensures that our members are welcome at most clubs in the northern Bay area.
New 2026 Membership Cards – Now available in print and digital formats.
Transient Note - Please note that while GOYC operates out of Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing, we are not sponsored by that entity and thus cannot offer transient slippage discounts. Contact the marina to reserve your slip.