In 1974, Bristol boat owners Jerry Caswell and Ken Ketcham, along with Bristol broker Al Jacukiewicz, hatched a plan for a Bay Bristol club. One successful membership drive later and the Chesapeake Bristol Club was launched. For the history of our club, please click on OUR HISTORY.

The Chesapeake Bristol Club is also known as the Bristol Club and just CBC. CBC is a group of sailors who enjoy sailing the Bay and the fellowship of others who have the same interest in boating. Today we are a cruising club consisting of about 60 members who own a variety of boats. In addition to Bristols, there are boats manufactured by Morgan, Island Packet, Hylas, Catalina, Sabre, Down Easter, Pearson, C&C, Lippincott, J, Passport, Freedom, Hardin, Columbia, Islander, Caliber, Tartan, CapeDory, Frer, Irwin, S2, Encore, Gulfstar, Sirius, and Hake Seaward.

CBC has no clubhouse, and so most of our activities are reached by boat and land yachts. CBC has numerous and diverse activities during the season. For example, our schedule includes sailing to numerous weekend rendezvous locations around the Bay. We raft together at these destinations and enjoy being on the water. Each year we have a theme-based Sunflower raft event which is always unique and special. Generally there are two planned 7-day cruises; one in the early summer and one in the fall. In addition, there are special destinations and events including the Memorial Day Frolics in the Wye River, an Oktoberfest, a Crab feast, and a dockside Champagne Breakfast during the Fells Point Festival, just to name a few. During the early Spring, CBC occasionally has boat-related seminars to add to our knowledge of boating. To see our activities schedule, click on CALENDAR.

Cruising and socializing have always been at the heart of the club’s mission. Racing is often on the agenda-but for the fun and learning experiences it affords. Adventures that club members have shared over the years include the club's signature Sunflower Raft-ups, cruises on the Bay and north to New England and charters in the Caribbean. Other club traditions are food-related events like the annual Crab Feast, the Oktoberfest as well as the Baltimore Dockside Champagne Breakfast Weekend.

In 2009, CBCers celebrated their 35-year history on the Bay with a “Nautical Black Tie” Dinner on Friday, June 12, at Herrington Harbor South. Many former members joined in the celebration and enjoyed reminiscing about the earlier club years. To see videos of the 35th year celebration, click on CBC's VIDEOS and select the Anniversary Party Section I or II.

We are a group that has fun and enjoys the fellowship of others who have a similar interest in yachting. CBCers discuss everything about their boats, share boating experiences and occasionally offer helpful advice. Many CBC members develop lasting friendships with other members. CBCers always enjoy good food and drink. The CBCers refer to themselves as a "floating social club." To really see who we are and what we do, see our most recent newsletter. Click on OUR NEWSLETTER. or watch some of our recent videos by clicking on CBC's Videos.

CBC always welcome prospective individuals and families to join us. If you enjoy boating on the Bay, why not join our fun? Click on MEMBERSHIP for the details on how to join us.