The D.R.Y.L. was founded in 1914 at the home of Frederick Von Nieda in Camden. The five clubs that initially formed the league were Camden Yacht Club, Columbia Yacht Club, Farragut Sportsmen's Association, Trenton Yacht Club and Wissinoming Yacht Club. John Miller of Trenton was elected as the league's first President. Since its inception, the D.R.Y.L. has grown to 36 clubs and 4 organizations and covers the boating area from the Delaware River in Trenton to the Cohansey River on the Delaware Bay and Lagoon View Yacht Club on Barrnaget Bay.

Purpose

"It shall be the object and purpose of the D.R.Y.L. to promote true Yachtsmanship on the Delaware River , its tributaries and surrounding territory.  It shall work consistently for the benefit of its member clubs, and strive to make their activities successful.  It shall aid wherever possible, in the work for the better and cleaner waterways, better harbor conditions, proper channel markings, and work for better and safer boating laws.  It shall also create and maintain a fraternal spirit among its membership."