Mudhead Mission Statement Founded 1976
"Our Mudhead mission is to promote camaraderie and fun among members by encouraging competitive sailing, managing quality races, fostering member  participation in racing at all levels,  and hosting memorable social events"

  The club needs an historian to update our history. We would like someone who can write and play the role of reporter to pull information from the past commodores of the club, as well as other members. Also, one who can take photos and keep track of the various events from year to year. Interest is more important than talent, but talent is good too! Please contact the club by email if you are interested in even just doing a small part to keep our memories alive. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mudhead Mission Statement Founded 1976 "Our Mudhead mission is to promote camaraderie and fun among members by encouraging competitive sailing, managing quality races, fostering member  participation in racing at all levels,  and hosting memorable social events"

     We asked the original Mudheads to put to paper their recollections of the Mudheads beginnings Many versions were submitted most were exaggerated some were close but be one hit the mark. Most Mudheads today are people who love to sail, love to race & love to have a good time. Paul Ludwig was Vice Commodore for 17 years. In actuality Paul Ludwig was the one who truly kept the Mudheads together. Herewith is the actual history of the Mudheads Responsibly submitted by Paul Ludwig.

    In the beginning, 1976, Tim Lee's Mystic was on the south side of West Mystic Shipyard. Paul Hayes and Ron Abate were sailing instructors there and Rick Seeley was yard manager. They sailed lasers and often they would get the head of the rig stuck in the MUD, hence Mudhead. At the time there were many yacht clubs in the area, but as they considered somewhat "snooty" a need was felt for a different club. A "paper" yacht club so we could enter yacht races.

    The first impromptu meeting was held at Darling Hill Farm in Stonington with Blunt White, Dennis Cox, Rick Seeley and Ed Harper as Secretary Writing the minutes on a bar napkin. As several bottles of Captain Morgan's with iced tea were consumed the minutes were clear at the beginning and rather garbled at the end. Mrs. Seeley made the first burgee and the bottom was going to be brown, but as no sail cloth could be found of that color, black was decided upon. It was decided that we would form a "paper" yacht club so we could enter races.

    In 1979 we found a lawyer and incorporated in the State of Connecticut and, we were off and running. It took about a year to get most of this in line and when all was said and done the "Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association" was a reality.

    About that time Chris Noyes, fondly known as "Dad" had Jet built at the Boat Company of Mystic. It was raced in the Wednesday night Series Don Wilkinson, Carl Fast, Jim Hansen, Paul Ludwig, Rick Seeley, Frank Murphy Jr. and of course, Dad. The Jet won 32 out of 36 races and always flew a large Mudhead burgee with toes into battle. This also included winning class and fleet and the Yacht Club Trophy at the first "Yachting Block Island Race Week"

    The aqua Rodeos were held, the first at Candle wood Lake in New Milford. Carl Fast's infamous Land Yacht was used to make this epic voyage. The second was held at Niantic Bay Yacht Club where much beer was consumed and the Commodore threw the Vice Commodore off the dock with much ceremony. The third was held at Wes Maxwell's Shipyard in Noank.

    Today we boast over 400 members and growing strong. We run the Wednesday night races, and have some of the most well attended regatta's and parties in the area.