Along the Tidal Delaware Water Trail there are various unique activity opportunities. One of these activities that is worth looking into is yachting. The yachting culture along the trail creates a close knit community that is great to get involved in. With thirty nine clubs along the river, the river trail caters the resources necessary to provide recreational boating opportunities for those who would like to participate.
The yachting clubs function as a private network along the trail, requiring membership for access to events. The clubs hold visitor events and provide informational appointments in order to familiarize nonmember individuals with the boating community. These opportunities allow for nonmembers to learn more about whether the yachting community is something they want to join. Some of the major benefits of joining a private boating club include having a place to keep your boat, having access to boating lessons and races, and having the opportunity to participate in social programs provided by the individual clubs. Taking a look at one specific example, the Riverside Yacht Club, located in Essington, Pennsylvania along the water trail provides the amenities of a clubhouse, a gear and apparel store, social events such as weekly happy hours, holiday parties and game viewings, and more. While the amenities provided vary between the different clubs, they are all geared towards creating a community within each individual club.
As a member of the yachting community, not only do you have access to the benefits of your club, but also the opportunity to participate in the Delaware River Yachtsmen’s League. While there are various individual boating clubs along the trail, the Delaware River Yachtsmen’s League overlooks the activity of all of the clubs. The League’s purpose is, “…to promote true Yachtsmanship on the Delaware River, its tributaries and surrounding territory. It shall work consistently for the benefit of its member clubs, and strive to make their activities successful…”. Therefore, the network constructed by the Delaware River Yachtsmen’s League allows for community ties to develop along the river. During the months of boating season, the League sponsors many activities that the individual clubs participate in. Some of these activities include the League’s annual pageant, the Poker Run, Opening Days and more. As a member of the yachting community, these are just some of the activities that you can get involved in.
If you are an avid boater, or even just interested in learning more about boating, joining the private boating community could be an excellent opportunity for you. There are plenty of local leisure opportunities available along the Tidal Delaware Water Trail, and yachting is just one enjoyable option.