From the March 18, 1983 edition of the Vineyard Gazette: Robert Sanborn and Stuart Bangs are two members of the Barnacle Club, a club that has held a prestigious place in Vineyard history.

There are clubs, some better and more decorative than others, but none just like the Barnacle Club of Vineyard Haven.

They came in out of the chill of a cool autumn night for the fellowship that can surround a hot meal. The Barnacle Club is the oldest running waterfront club on the Island, and its name always inspires interest. A barnacle by definition is a creature that doesn’t move a lot.

The club is made up of men who have a love for the sea and a gift for sharing their experiences on the water. Since the 1800s, the club has existed with two simple rules: no booze and no women.