History of the Virginia Power Boat Association

The Virginia Power Boat Association (VPBA) has been in in continuous operation since it was founded in 1939 with 6 founding members as a men’s boat racing club. In 1941 dues were $5.00 per year and there were not membership caps.

By 1958 the club had 146 regular members and 10 honorary members. By 1965, that had increased to 167 regular members, 10 honorary members, and 5 life members and by 1968 the first membership waiting list had begun..

In 1968 the Board approved a Long Range Planning Committee, debated placing a cap on membership of 175 (including life), determined that all members must own a boat, and implemented the first “overnight parking and slip movement rules.” That same year they installed a fence along the west property line (alongside the Fraker land) and made a 25’ swath of gravel beside the fence for boat and trailer parking. They continued the annual process of purchasing a blazer for the incoming commodore, and this became the first year that a pass was issued for the commodore to have boat docking privileges.

1970 showed 8 potential members on the waiting list, the number of Board members was increased to 13, and the “bathing cap requirement” for the pool was rescinded. By 1972 membership had been capped at 225, with 210 active and 15 Honorary members. In 1971 the 9.2 acre Camp Hilbert property was purchased.

The Virginia Power Boat Association has long history and a great family friendly facility with club house, pavilions, pool, docks boat ramp and most important, access to the beautiful upper James River.