Traveling north on Cuthbert Rd. and looking West at sundown, one can generally can see "White Sails in the Sunset". Where do they come from, and who owns them?

These sailboats come from the Cooper River Yacht Club, which is located between the two highways on the South Shore Drive of Collingswood. The boatyard there is home to approximately 150 sailboats of various types, individually and club owned.

The name "Yacht Club" generally brings to mind an exclusive Club with members who own large yachts and are well off financially. This description does not fit the Cooper River Yacht Club.

This Club was founded in 1945 by a small group of sailors who sailed boats there. Boat races were started there by a veteran sailor from New England by the name of Harry Chandler, and races have been held ever since.

Prior to 1929, the Cooper River was just a narrow stream of water meandering along through marshland on both sides. It was more commonly called "Cooper's Creek". At the foot of Browning Rd. on the Collingswood side there was a steel auto bridge across the creek to the other side, where Browning Rd. continued on to Rt. 70 and the Browning Rd. Circle. The bridge was demolished in the early 1930's and Browning Rd. was relocated to its present location on the north shore to make room for extension of the runways of the Central Airport which was located there at the time. (Ref. "Pennsauken's Airport Circle" Spring 1991 South.Jersey. Mag.).

During the great Depression of 1929 and into the early 30's, President Delano Roosevelt formed what was called the WPA (Works Progress Administration) and the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). The WPA was a government program to give work to men who were unemployed and/or destitute. The CCC was a govt. program to give work primarily to young single men who were unemployed, by generally cleaning up the landscape and creating new parks. These two organizations played a major part in creating the Cooper River Park from Rt. 130 east to Kings Hwy. in Haddonfield.

The water level of the creek was raised by installation of a dam on the river located behind Howard Hill's Furniture Store on Rt. #130, which created the present lake between Rt. 130 and Cuthbert Rd. Some dredging was also necessary.

After the sailing group formed the Club, the Park Commission donated a building for their use, and the members gladly donated their time and money to make it suitable for a Clubhouse. Maintenance of the present Clubhouse and grounds is still done mainly by volunteers of the club.

The Cooper River Yacht Club is family oriented and consists of members from all walks of life, regardless of social standing or nationality. It is not necessary to own a boat to be a member of the Club, nor do you need to live in New Jersey to be a member.

Sailing lessons are offered to anyone who wants to learn to sail from age 9 to 90. A Junior Program is offered during the summer for those of age 9 to 18. An Adult program is offered to those who are over 18. Day and evening classes are offered to accomodate everyone. "Beginner" and an "Advanced" courses are offered. The Club encourages the young to take these lessons, as they will be the future backbone of the Club. The instructors are experienced sailors and are fully capable of instructing the novice of any age in the art of sailing.

A variety of sailboats are used by the club for lessons, which range from a small "Pram" to larger "Laser", "Blue Jay", "Vanguard", "D.C", and "G.P.14", boats, giving the beginner a good knowledge of sailing and seamanship. Anyone who completes the Advanced Course can consider themselves capable of sailing almost anywhere. Basic instruction in Navigation and "Rules of the Road" for racing are also given in the classes. 

The CRYC has produced sailors who have gone on to win nearly 50 National and International races in their sailing careers. The CRYC races other Yacht Clubs on the East Coast, and has won many of these events. Club races are held at the Club on weekends during Spring and into Fall.

The Club does more than just sail and race. Social events are held throughout the year and during the summer season. Cookouts at the Club grounds are available for members and their families.

I have a personal affection for the C.R.Y.C. Living in Pennsauken and raising four children, I enrolled all four in the Sailing Course back in l962, when they ranged in age from 9 to 13. They all completed the course and came home with their Certificates. As I didn't have a boat at the time I had to get one, but knew very little about sailing. I then took the course for adults, and obtained my Certificate and soon after I purchased my first sailboat. As we became more proficient at sailing, I purchased other type boats over the years and still have a boat at the Club.

Eventually I was privileged to have grandchildren, and when they reached the necessary age to take sailing lessons, I enrolled them in the Beginner Course at the CRYC, which was 1994. The four who took the course all completed it and were awarded a Certificate. They were thrilled and couldn't wait until the next summer when they could take the Advanced Course.

During the summer of 1995, the four grandchildren all took the Advanced Course, and completed this and obtained their Advanced Certificate. Learning to sail was the highlight of their summer activites, and an accomplishment that they will always remember and be proud of. They are looking forward to next summer (as I am) when they can continue sailing at the Club and elsewhere. 

I hope that when the Great-Grandchildren reach the age for taking sailing lessons at CRYC, that they will carry on the tradition of learning to sail at CRYC as have thousands before them.

Photos and Article by Walt Ribeiro Sr.