Mariners Boat Club was founded in the 1940’s as a private boat club by Harry Vandenbossche, a Mt. Clemens businessman. Dues were $10.00 per year and the Commodore and Vice Commodore were appointed each year but were inactive as far as club management.

When Harry Vandenbossche died in 1975, the Club held its first election. John R. Sommers was elected Commodore, Frank Vollmert Vice Commodore, Bill Warner Rear Commodore, and Margaret Carter Secretary. All were longtime members. The couple who had been taking care of the bar during Harry’s last days left town with all of the booze glasses and cash. Bar supplies and $200 in cash were borrowed from member Fred Johnson, who owned the restaurant across the street. The 30 members spent most of the first year encouraging new persons to join and selling no-interest $300 certificates. By the end of 1976, enough money was finally raised to buy the building from Dr. Henry Winkler who had purchased it from Harry’s family. Many improvements have been made since then.

Mariner’s Ladies’ Auxiliary, the Buoys Belles, was formed in 1977 and has been a tremendous asset to the club. They have sponsored many functions and have raised money to help with the necessities as well as the extra niceties. They also have sponsored charitable community functions.

A large portion of Mariners activities take place at the clubhouse located on the Clinton River. The club does sponsor many offshore activities and rendezvous. Mariners Boat Club is a member of the ABYA, I-LYA and AYC organizations. The Past Commodores of Mariners have formed their own chapter of the International Order of Blue Gavel and are still working for the good of the club and boating in Anchor Bay.

Mariners has grown to a membership of 235 with an ample waiting list. Boats over fifty feet include both power and sail. Members have made cruises both up the river to Mt. Clemens and as far away as the Bahama Islands, but the one destination all Mariners enjoy is meeting at the clubhouse to share in the camaraderie with fellow members.