'A Celebration Of Yachting On Our Bays' At The Quogue Library

Perhaps the most special aspect of the East End, and certainly one of the main reasons many people come out here, is the simple beauty of the waters that have provided a rich history of boating.

Boating has been a way of life for East Enders for centuries, and this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Shinnecock Yacht Club in Quogue. It is one of the oldest continuously operating yacht clubs in the United States.

As a tribute, the Quogue Library has commissioned an exhibit on the history of life on the water. “A Celebration of Yachting on our Bays” will be on view through Monday, July 30. The exhibit includes paintings, contemporary and historic photographs and yachting memorabilia reflecting the boating heritage of the area.

“Perhaps the greatest asset of the East End is the beauty of our waters—the bays, creeks and ocean— that have enabled residents to ply their crafts—sailboats, powerboats, kayaks—for generations,” information issued from the Quogue Library states. “A celebration of our boating history would not be complete without including the Shinnecock Yacht Club ... Importantly, the club’s charter includes the stewardship of our waters and the encouragement of sailing as a sport among the children of Quogue and the surrounding environs. Many generations of local children have learned sailing and boat safety in classes at the Shinnecock Yacht Club.”

Library trustee and member of the library’s art gallery committee and exhibit co-chair Cristina Kepner, who is also a Shinnecock Yacht Club member, said the club is an integral part of life in this community and that it deserves recognition.

“I’m always amazed and heartened when I go down to the yacht club that, for 125 years, it has retained its simple, shingled beauty,” she said while touring the exhibit on opening day last Tuesday. “The lovely setting on Penniman’s Creek, surrounded by boats swinging on moorings or out racing with the current generation of young sailors, is likely to be the same 125 years from now.”

According to Ms. Kepner, the paintings and memorabilia on view trace the history of the yacht club, which in turn, parallels the history of the community. The yacht club has opened itself up to families in the community for sailing, boating and water safety lessons for generations, she reported.

“To me, this collection captures the sense of history that comes with this club and imparts a feeling of timelessness,” she said. “Such that one is certain that it will continue to be the steward of our waters and, importantly, of our young boaters. Not much has changed since 1887 and probably, not much will change between now and 2137, another 125 years from now.”

“A Celebration of Yachting on our Bays” exhibit will be on view at the Quogue Library through Monday, July 30. For more information, call 653-4224 or visit quoguelibrary.org.