TOP OF THE BAY CRUISING ASSOCIATION

North East, Maryland

A Short History of TOBCA

(Click here for a list of past Commodores)

TOBCA was chartered in October 1988 by six captains and their mates. It started as an association dedicated to cruising and camaraderie. At one time the club had grown to over 90 member boats. Although the club's roots were on the North East River, its members reside in marinas all over the upper Chesapeake Bay.

Cruising has always been the number one function. Part of the cruising schedule has always included a week-long vacation cruise to ports too far to reach on a single weekend. For example, the 1999 summer cruise was to Washington, D.C.)

During its somewhat short existence, the club has held numerous land activities, and at one time held an annual beach cleanup, for which we received recognition from the governor of Maryland, the state Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources. The club's efforts have also been featured in the Mariner newspaper.

TOBCA also holds activities during the non-boating months, by which it manages to keep in touch with its members year round. With the introduction of the 1995 commodore, TOBCA held it's first annual Commodore's Ball. (Click here for pictures from the 1999 Commodore's Ball.)

In 1991, TOBCA earned membership in the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Clubs Association (voted into membership on 2/2/91 and inducted on 4/30/91). Through its membership in CBYCA, the club enjoys privileges around the bay, including opening day ceremonies, commodores' balls and complimentary dockage at participating yacht clubs.

The association has a constitution and a set of by laws, as well as a corporate seal.

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