Bay Cats, a brief history...

The marina that Bay Cats is located on was built in 1939. It originally sold gas and bait, and rented small fishing skiffs.

John, "Cookie", Cookstock lived in the small house at the south end of the facility. He ran the docks and basically was in charge of all the activities on Bay Avenue.

The property changed hands in the late 1960's and began teaching sailing, and renting sail boats and fishing boats. They also began selling these new boats from California that sure did go fast and were a hoot to sail. (The Yacht club pretended not to notice.)

As the 70's progressed so did the popularity of sailing. Thousands of people enjoyed sailing their Hobie Cats, Sunfish, Windsurfers and Kayaks.

In the 80's & 90's the property changed hands a couple times with Bill Stuempfig running it until 2004.

In May 2006 Don Pussehl; having started in 1974 at the origional Bayview Sailboats took his rightful place at Cookies House. After years in Montana and Annapolis Md doing the big sailboat thing,Don together with Capt.Bill Stuempfig,Jennifer the tour guide,sailing instructors Tyler and Julie(both of whose parents worked here) and Mike and a cast of great friends are happily continuing the Bay Cats tradition of helping folks enjoy sailing in New Jersey!

The store is now located in "Cookie's" house, and the view out the backdoor of the bay and the sunsets remain as great as ever.