Gilford Park Yacht Club was established and incorporated August 9th, 1933 but our story began many years before.
John Gilford purchased the land later known as Gilford Park in the early 1700's. The land was later deeded to the Barnegat Woodland Corporation, which until it was disbanded in 1998, was the oldest corporation in America, originating in 1682. This predated the founding of the state of New Jersey! As part of a development effort, the Barnegat Woodland Corporation recognized GPYC as a community asset to development and on July 21st, 1926 deeded the site to the Yacht Club. In the Club bylaws, the objectives of the Gilford Park Yacht Club are trifold:
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- • Encourage the sport of boating
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- • Promote the science of seamanship and navigation
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- • Promote comradery by providing and maintaining a clubhouse available for use by club members
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- • Maintain a free beach for the public
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- • Promote charitable events for 1st responders and scholarships
Superstorm Sandy destroyed the original Yacht Club building on October 29th, 2012. It is now a three story structure with a bar and dining area on the main second floor offering spectacular views of Toms River and Barnegat Bay. The third floor also offers the same amazing views and is available to members to rent for private functions.
Gilford Park Yacht Club bar is open seven days a week year round with the exception of Christmas Day and Easter. The club offers dining several days a week. Live entertainment, special events for adults and children, fund raisers, Dart and Pool Leagues are some of the activities available to our members.