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A Legacy of Resilience, Community & Seamanship

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Over 66 years ago, at a time when Black boaters were denied basic access to marinas and yacht clubs across the Chesapeake Bay, a group of working-class men chose to chart their own course. In the face of discrimination, they founded the Seafarers Yacht Club a community built on unity, perseverance, and a deep love of life on the water.


From Storefront to Seafarers Headquarters
The Club’s early days were modest ,members met in their homes, and later, in a small, rented storefront in Annapolis. In 1967, a major milestone was reached when members purchased an abandoned schoolhouse, Eastport Elementary School for “Colored Children”, at Third Street and Chester Avenue in Annapolis, Maryland. That building, lovingly maintained, remains our Club’s home and a symbol of our enduring legacy.

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Charting New Waters


Seafarers have never stayed still. Members have cruised the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts to Florida, explored the Caribbean Islands, ventured through the Great Lakes, and traveled the Erie and Delaware Canals. These journeys reflect not only skill and passion but a pioneering spirit that lives on today.


The Auxiliary: The Power of Support
In 1965, the spouses and supporters of club members formally organized as the Auxiliary of the Seafarers Yacht Club, affectionately known as the Mates. Their goal: to support the Club and maintain the Clubhouse. Through community dinners, bake sales, yard sales, and countless volunteer hours, the Mates were instrumental in sustaining the Seafarers spirit.
In 2019, with the introduction of family membership, the Auxiliary was fully integrated into the Club—unifying efforts and strengthening our organization for the future.


Leaders in Maritime Safety
Service and safety are key pillars of our mission. Many Seafarers members are active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 24-09—which was born out of Flotilla 75, originally organized in 1970 at the Seafarers clubhouse. These members continue to promote boating safety and marine education throughout the region.

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Nurturing the Next Generation


The Seafarers proudly support the Seafarer Foundation and its impactful Summer Youth Program, which introduces young people to boating, leadership, and water safety. This program is a vital part of our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of mariners.
 

Past Commodores

  1. Ellsworth “Bubba” Randall* — 1961, 1962, 1972, 1973

  2. Joseph Barr, DVM* — 1963, 1964

  3. Hugh Dowling* — 1965

  4. George E. Murray, Jr.* — 1966, 1983, 1984

  5. Albert C. “AL” Burwell* — 1967

  6. William Bronson* — 1968-1971

  7. Irving Henry, MD* — 1974

  8. Chalipin A. “Yip” Dungee* — 1975, 1976

  9. Wendell P. “Wende-K” Gardner* — 1977-1979

  10. Edward C. Walker* — 1980

  11. Leroy A. Jackson, MD* — 1981, 1982

12. Norman W. “The Norm” Ross* — 1985

13. Joseph H. Carpenter* — 1988, 1989

14. George T. Smith — 1990

15. James T. Jackson* — 1986, 1991, 1992, 1997

16. Hosea E. Taylor* — 1993, 1994

17. Frank B. Doggett III, MD* — 1995-1996

18. William H. Woodward, DDS — 1997-1998

19. Melville Q. Wyche, Jr., MD — 1999-2014

20. David Turner — 2015-2017

21. Ade Adebisi — 2018-2020

22. Benjamin McCottry — 2021-2023

23. Derrick L. Cogburn — 2024

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© 2025 Seafarers Yacht Club of Annapolis, Maryland

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