The Berlin Yacht Club (BYC) proudly marks its 75th anniversary this year, celebrating three-quarters of a century dedicated to the sport of sailing, seamanship, and stewardship on Berlin Reservoir. Incorporated on November 22, 1950, the club stands as a testament to the dedication and determination of NE Ohio sailors.

The sailing boat – an open, square-rigged clinker boat similar to the boats used during the Viking Age (800-1050 AD) – traveled from Trondheim up to the Arctic Circle and back in 2022. Since then, Greer Jarrett and his team have sailed over 5,000 kilometres along Viking trade routes.

In the 1970s, sailing was a middle-class sport. We raced Sabots with our friends and learned real independence. Now it’s become elitist. It’s a shrinking sport dominated by gated yacht clubs and overzealous parents chasing Ivy League dreams. We wanted to flip the script. 

Zim has made improvements to the boats to made them more durable.  To be sure the boats are stiff, construction now uses waterproof foam blocks and adhesive for flotation and to provide structural support.  With the waterproof foam, if the boat does get holed, there is nothing to soak up water.

The Sailing Ship Columbia has once again reopened to guests after closing for a brief refurbishment, though no visible changes have been made.

It was wonderful to see roughly 27 members gathered, sharing updates and preparing for the season ahead. The meeting provided a great opportunity to connect, discuss club matters, and build excitement for getting back on the water.