Our Story
The Beginning
Before Squalicum Harbor existed, Bellingham boaters struggled to find secure moorage. Boats were scattered across Squalicum Creek, Whatcom Creek, Fairhaven, and Chuckanut Bay - none of them adequate. On September 29, 1937, about 50 small pleasure boat owners gathered at the Leopold Hotel to do something about it. That meeting launched the Bellingham Boat Owners Association (BBOA).
The timing was fortunate. Voters had just approved a new "South-Side" harbor, and the BBOA quickly reached an agreement with the Port to lease and operate much of it as recreational moorage. They erected a small shed on the floats to collect fees, rent grid space, and sell bottom paint. The Port even provided a former office building for a clubhouse, which was moved to the boat haven wharf.
Active from day one, the club was already organizing family cruises. This 1939 home movie shows about 30 member boats on their second annual family cruise to Eliza Island - evidence that the club's spirit of cruising together was there from the very beginning.
The 1947 Storm
In January 1947, disaster struck. A sudden nor'wester roared into the wooden, heavy-piled seawall protecting the South Side boat basin entrance. The storm destroyed the basin and numerous boats. With their moorage gone, anxious boaters pressed the Port and City for a new harbor. Chuckanut Bay was initially favored, but funding agencies weren't convinced. Inaction and controversy dragged on for nearly two years.
Storm Damage at South Side Boat Haven - Jan 30, 1947
A New Harbor
The Port of Bellingham finally delivered. A secure new harbor was built near the Squalicum Creek Waterway, and on September 17, 1949, the BBOA and Bellingham Yacht Club co-sponsored a dedication ceremony featuring 500 pounds of barbecued salmon and Congressman Henry Jackson.
Two months later, on November 10, the Port granted the BBOA a lease to build a clubhouse. A building from the airport was purchased and moved to the site. True to club tradition, members remodeled it themselves using their own skills and talent. The first meeting was held December 14, 1949—even though finishing touches remained. For over ten years, the clubhouse stood nearly alone, with nothing but two small lumber companies between it and downtown Bellingham.
We remain in the same building and location today, though we have more neighbors.
First Meeting in New Clubhouse - Dec 14, 1947
Becoming Squalicum Yacht Club
In the mid-1960s, the Bellingham Boat Owners Association became the Squalicum Yacht Club. The exact reason for the name change has been lost to time, but the character of the club remained unchanged. Salmon feeds, clam chowder dinners, and family cruises continued as they always had.
Continuing the Tradition
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