212 Wessagussett Rd, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA
Owned By: Wessagussett Yacht Club
Located in North Weymouth, this full service yacht club is located directly on Wessagusset Beach. Both are situated on the Fore River, very close to the Atlantic Ocean. Facing west, they look out over the Boston skyline.
The Wessagussett Yacht Club is a cooperative/member maintained yacht club for both power boaters and sailors. Amenities include fuel and pump-out services for club members as well as the general public. Transient slips and moorings are available on the club website.
Features
According to the club website, “Wessagussett Yacht Club was Established in 1902 and Incorporated in 1903, with a rich history in sailing and power yachting within the south shore waterfront community. In the early 1900’s, vacationers from Boston and throughout New England would travel to the shores to enjoy summer time recreation… The club consists of a large main building and a significant porch deck area which looks out onto Hingham Bay and the Boston Harbor Islands. Floats, housing numerous rows of boats and a dinghy dock area, are located directly in front of the club. The mooring field also extends directly outward and to the sides, all within view of the club. We include free launch service for all club members.”
Wessagusset Beach is named for the colony of Wessagusset, formed in 1622 by Thomas Weston. A marker at Great Hill Park, around the corner, describes to the tense relationship between European settlers and native tribes at that time. The marker was placed in 1923, and re-dedicated in 1998. It focuses on the victory of Myles Standish and other European settlers over aboriginal leaders such as Wituwamat and Pecksuot.
While Standish has long been regarded as a hero of Plymouth Colony, it’s important also to acknowledge that he was a destructive force with regard to the native tribes that inhabited the region prior to, and during the time of, European colonization. In particular, consider the 1623 Massacre at Wessagusset, at which Standish lured members of the Neponset band of the Massachusett tribe into a small building and then attacked them, fatally wounding several. Standish was concerned that tribe members, especially Wituwamat, were conspiring against the colonists. Scholars have found no evidence of this plot.
More detailed information about the Native American tribes that inhabited the Weymouth area can be found at King Oak Hill Park in Weymouth. The remains of Wituwamat and Pecksuot are now interred at Old North Cemetery in Weymouth. This land is within the region of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe.
Follow the Fore River Watershed Association more information about the Monatiquot and Fore Rivers.
Habitats and Wildlife
The Wessagussett Yacht Club is located on the Fore River, not far from the spot where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Fore River serves as the boundary line between the towns of Weymouth and Braintree. It flows for about 3 miles, into Quincy, where it meets Town River, and then flows for another 2 miles into Hingham Bay.
Striped bass and bluefish are the fish species most commonly found here.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Proceed down North Street past the Wessagussett School on the left to the entrance of the Town Parking Lot also on the left just before the next curve. Walk to the yacht club using Massasoit Road. Do not park on the beach roads.
Cost: Costs vary.
Facilities:
Services include fuel and pump-out for club members as well as the general public. Transient slips and moorings are available on the club website.
Dogs: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
ADA Access: No
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Fore River