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An interview with Regan Edwards on the Seattle Yacht Club's 2023 Grand Prix

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Seattle Yacht Club

Founded in 1892, Seattle Yacht Club is one of our country’s most active and long-established yacht clubs. With facilities ranging from the historic main station on Portage Bay, to ten outstations located along the shores of Washington and British Columbia, the club offers an outstanding group of properties for use by its more than 2,500 members.

From the Commodore:

It gives me great pleasure to confirm the commitment of the Seattle Yacht Club Board of Trustees and its members to the goals and mission of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Our Fleet Captain Sail, Dave Ferguson and his committee, and Past Commodore, Chris Otorowski, will be working together on the member matching fund program that I expect will exceed the Founding Club level.

We look forward to watching the progress of the NSHOF and its home in Annapolis.

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The Pacific Northwest waters, aristocratic pines and views of Mt. Rainier, Baker and the Olympics provided inspiration for Chief Sealth’s (Seattle) native peoples and SYC respects this heritage while developing its own traditions and stewardship. In the 1880s Puget Sound’s Budlong’s Boat House was the locale of the first gathering place of SYC yachtsmen followed in 1882 by the moorage on Battery Street at Brighton’s Boat House. The first Clubhouses built for a formally organized Seattle Yacht Club were in 1892 and 1909 in West Seattle.  Presently the Portage Bay clubhouse (1919) between Lakes Union and Washington offers a colonial style with classical elegance and uncovered and covered moorages. It has been on the National Register of Historical Places since 2006. In addition, there are ten beautiful outstations extending from south Puget Sound through Canadian waters. They are Gig Harbor, Elliott Bay, Port Madison and Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, Henry Island and Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands, and Ganges, Ovens Island, Garden Bay and Cortes Bay in Canada. The marine environment is protected by SYC’s Code of Ethics and negotiations with the City of Seattle. Reciprocity with U.S. and international yacht clubs exists.

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Since 1928 SYC has participated in powerboat predicted log racing’s annual International Cruiser Race, the Capital to Capitol Race. Hosted by SYC in 1936, the attendance was the highest of any U.S. cruising event to that date. In the 1940s the IPBA made it a family event. Today SYC hosts the IPBA Stimson Cup and participates in other IPBA and local races.

The belief that “everyone who wants to be on the water should be” underlies programs for the community such as the 1935 Shut In Cruise when 50 SYC boats took patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers for a Lake Washington cruise. World War II veterans were taken on similar cruises. Today’s Annual Special People’s Cruise was inspired by SYC women who arranged Christmas cruises for the Fircrest clients. SYC’s Opening Day, modeled in part by the city’s 1911 Potlatch celebration has the largest boating parade and international crew races in the world. SYC sponsors the largest fund raising event in boating, the Leukemia Cup Regatta and the SYC Foundation provides funding for Youth Sailing classes and community boating projects.

Protection of maritime waters and racing abound. SYC formed the first Pacific coastal squadron to teach motorboat navigation and to cooperate with the U.S. government in 1916. During World War II SYC’s Flotilla 24, the largest civilian squadron in the U.S., patrolled Pacific inland waters with private small and large luxury yachts. Pleasure boating was dormant but racing continued. The hydroplane races with SYC’s Slo-Mo IV and V won the Gold Cup 1950-1954 and put Seattle and Seafair on the map. The hydroplane era continues with the SYC burgee on winning boats and thousands of spectators watching the races on Lake Washington and on television.

Pleasure boating resumed after World War II. In 1964 SYC was invited to join the Cruising Club of America and continues to host several of their events. The latter’s goal of promoting cruising by amateurs and its interest in seamanship, navigation and handling of small vessel is in keeping with SYC’s philosophy and support of what the juniors call “people who like to mess around in boats”. Boating education at SYC has always been a priority for youth and adult members and non-members. Currently it is provided in Lasers, Vanguard 15’s, and Optimistist dinghies. Pleasure boating for adults, families and the public is provided in Club and private member boats.

Competing in international races in the 1980s again demonstrated SYC’s racing skills. Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals were brought home. The SYC burgee flew on One World in the 2003 America’s Cup Race. SYC women have won world championships in rowing and the Adams Cup for sailing.  World involvement is further demonstrated by hosting of the International Council of Yacht Clubs Forum in 2011. This is the first time it was held in the United States and 14 countries were represented by numerous delegates.

To insure “the most fun for the most of us” the SYC committee system allows for diversified interest groups and activities for all members. The Men’s and Women’s groups have luncheons with speakers and programs to educate and entertain. Parties, balls, dinner dances and children’s events occur regularly. The annual Commodore’s Ball with the Grand Fourteen Yacht Clubs in the area is a gala event. Potlatch, a weekend of water games, races and feasting at Port Madison, is an example of the family centered events for juniors, intermediates and regular members.

Seattle Yacht Club has a tradition of pride in its members who come from every socioeconomic level. Many have made significant contributions to navigational science and member volunteerism is basic to the Club. The 1937 Board of Trustees stated: the club should cater to the average class of gentlemen yachtsman” attempting to please the aristocrats and also the members with small boats regardless of financial position. SYC also has pride in its clubhouse and the city it is named after. The beacon light on top of the Portage Bay clubhouse was installed by SYC members and the Coast Guard and its spire is shown on nautical charts as a private stationary aid to navigation. It beckons you to join the fun of a cultural icon and continue to make history.

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Seattle Yacht Club

Many Seattle Yacht Club members cruise the waters of the Pacific Northwest in powerboats.  Whether touring the Club’s 10 Outstations, located from Gig Harbor in the south to Cortes Bay in the north, or exploring the fresh water lakes, our members tend to enjoy their time on the water. SYC has a number of interesting and exciting events for members with powerboats. These include formal events with fun interactive themes, local and long-range cruises from Puget Sound to the Canadian Gulf Islands, and monthly dinners with exciting and informative speakers. Our monthly club dinners include topics about boating in the Northwest and adventures from around the world. These dinner are also a fun way to meet with fellow Club members and share boating experiences.

Seattle Yacht Club also hosts Navigational Rallies (aka Predicted Log Racing) around Puget Sound. These navigational contests are a great opportunity for members to improve their knowledge of their boat and skills of predicting the boat’s performance around a designated course.

Seattle Yacht Club Sailing

2019 syc race book, youth summer sailing school, adult sailing lessons, junior race team, high school sailing, opti green fleet program, junior race team, race team vision.

SYC is recognized among the leading yacht clubs of the world with a renowned comprehensive junior sailing program, in which the Junior Race Team is an integral part.  Our Junior Race Team draws upon a broad base of young sailors (open to the public) primarily from the SYC Summer Sailing School, SYC’s Northwest Interscholastic High School Sailing Team (HS Sailing), and community outreach programs.  The SYC Junior Race Team and HS Sailing provide youths, from ages 8 to 18, the opportunity to reach for competitive success at all levels while developing athletic skills, leadership, sportsmanship and a lifelong love for boating.  SYC has given rise to numerous generations of successful Pacific Northwest sailors, including multiple Olympic champions.  The SYC Race Team continues the Club’s legacy of achievement, representing SYC in local, regional, national and international competitions.

Race Team Mission

Progress juniors from participation to development to the highest levels of youth racing achievement.

  • Provide a fun and supportive environment for junior racers of all abilities
  • Provide coaches exceptional in their sailing accomplishments and their abilities to train and inspire our racers
  • Maintain facilities and equipment equal or superior to leading yacht clubs around the world
  • Promote interest and participation in sailing and racing with an active, adaptive outreach program
  • Prepare racers for Collegiate Sailing providing an opportunity to leverage individual racers’ sailing skills and racing achievements in the college application process
  • Develop  a lifelong interest and appreciation of sailing and racing in all Race Team members while promoting SYC junior membership in a family oriented, supportive environment

JOIN THE TEAM 

Race team schedule, race team coach: cameron hoard.

Cameron has been the SYC Jr Race Team coach since 2011. Originally from Upstate NY, Cam has lived on both coasts, but has come to call the NW home.

Cam has been a sailing coach for the better part of 20 years. He has worked for various yacht clubs and sailing programs in New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle. 

The SYC Jr Race Team does most of its year-round training on Shilshole Bay (Puget Sound), however Cam and the team travel all over the country competing in over 25 regattas every year. A busy training and regatta schedule is what makes the SYC Jr sailors the best in the North West!

The team has found lots of success under Coach Cam with SYC sailors winning national championships, qualifying for international regattas, and dominating the NW Youth Racing Circuit. It’s exciting and fun to work with such committed, talented, and hard working Jr sailors representing the club. 

2017 was a big year for the team and the sailing department! They were honored to receive the Captain Joe Prosser Award, from US Sailing, for excellence in sailing instruction. The Jr sailors list of accomplishments is far too long to list here, so please stop Cam in the hallway or on the dock to hear about it all! Or join them at the SYC Jr sailing awards held every January, to meet the team, celebrate an amazing year, and help them kick off the successful season ahead. Go SYC!

Contact Coach Cameron Hoard.

Joining SYC

Seattle Yacht Club welcomes applications for membership from Northwest boaters ages 10+ who would like to join our active community.

Members of the Club are entitled to use our Portage Bay Clubhouse with casual and fine dining restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities, guest moorage, and permanent moorage (subject to availability).  Members are also encouraged to participate in a wide range of regattas and cruises, and enjoy activities and dining events at the Club.  Membership with SYC offers use of our Elliott Bay clubhouse facilities and discounted Elliott Bay moorage (subject to availability), use of nine Outstations (listed below), and reciprocal privileges to more than 225 other yacht clubs around the world.  

SYC OUTSTATIONS

  • Cortes Bay – Desolation Sound, B.C. 
  • Eagle Harbor – Bainbridge Island 
  • Elliott Bay – Seattle 
  • Friday Harbor – San Juan Islands 
  • Ganges – Saltspring Island, Gulf Islands, B.C. 
  • Garden Bay – Pender Harbor, B.C. 
  • Gig Harbor – South Puget Sound 
  • Henry Island – Roche Harbor, San Juan Islands 
  • Ovens Island – Dunsmuir Islands, Gulf Islands, B.C. 
  • Port Madison – Bainbridge Island 

Several levels of membership are available based on the age and marital status of the candidate.  For an individual membership, the initiation fee is determined by the age of the new member on the date the application is completed.  Monthly dues adjust throughout the life of a membership as it advances from one class to another.  We encourage married couples to apply for joint membership.  There is one initiation fee, which is determined by the age of the older spouse on the date the application is completed.  The monthly dues are determined using the birthdate of the older spouse.  To request a chart of the current fees and dues, contact SYC's Membership Director.

Each membership application needs one primary sponsor and three other members to serve as recommenders (all must be voting or Surviving members of SYC).  The application process begins when a voting member of SYC checks out an application packet and becomes the applicant’s sponsor. 

Interested In Learning More?

If you are interested in exploring membership and receiving an invitation to SYC's next Open House (date TBD), please complete and submit a Prospective Member Interest Form . 

Membership Brochure & Benefits Of Membership Video

For an overview of the Club, download SYC's Membership Brochure . Enjoy the video below about the benefits of membership with SYC featuring the Club, our Outstations, activities, and some of the people who make the Club special.

Our App enables the sailors to have the boat´s performance tracked live and to be able to review the performance later on. The app can be complemented by a tracking device that you can have on your boat.

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  • October Racing at its Best: SYC Grand Prix

Seattle Yacht Club’s autumn classic delivers on every level for all three days!

Seattle Yacht Club’s venerable Grand Prix Regatta is really unique in the variety it offers each year — falling in late October over three days, you’re sure to get varied conditions. The committee’s decisions to mix distance and buoy racing nearly always makes it an excellent test of sailors’ skills and versatility. In 2023, conditions could not have cooperated more splendidly, with all race days pairing brisk fall temperatures with sun and, most importantly, breeze! 

As ever, Grand Prix is an event that tends to draw out many of the biggest, fastest yachts in central Puget Sound. That was certainly true this year in Class 1 where I was sailing, with three TP52s — Smoke , Glory , and Mist — and the Reichel/Pugh 55 Zvi . But Grand Prix is not just a big boat event; there were also one design fleets of J/80s and J/105s, and four other classes racing under either ORC or PHRF handicap systems. In all, 42 boats were out for three terrific days of fall racing. 

I have always held that October is the best sailing month in the Pacific Northwest, an opinion I share with many others. And boy howdy if Friday wasn’t perfectly October! Sunshine splashed through broken clouds while 12-18 knots of chilly north wind whipped at flesh we allowed to peek out of our foulies. The northerly was paired with a flood for the afternoon’s race, which kept the water mostly flat. With such ideal conditions on Friday, pre-race rumors were confirmed, and we found a distance course displayed on the board of SYC’s stately Portage Bay committee boat. 

The race committee must have been feeling a little creative, because in all the races I’ve sailed in central Puget Sound, the course was new to me — a trapezoid bringing Class 1 boats upwind to a temporary mark near Richmond Beach, reaching west to a mark near Jefferson Head, downwind to Blakely Rock, reaching back east to Duwamish head, upwind to round the finish mark (presumably to allow for a shortened course, if necessary) downwind to West Point and a final beat across Shilshole Bay to the finish. There were a lot of marks to remember! And a lot of the race was sailed perpendicular to the breeze in trim-to-course reaching mode. 

Under sunny skies, we got underway and charged upwind in some of the day’s more moderate breeze. For this race, and throughout the weekend, the general consistency of the wind meant that on Glory we spent more time evaluating which side of the race course had more breeze or current advantage, and less time playing shifts. This generally paid on Friday, and we had good speed, rounding the top mark in first and bearing away to the reach. As soon as we were making westward progress toward Jeff Head, it was clear we were going to have a close call with a southbound commercial ship. We had to trim upwind for a minute or two, and cut narrowly behind the massive freighter before bearing away again and hoisting the kite around the mark. 

seattle yacht club

The run was as pleasant as it gets with some of the best breeze of the day, 14-18 knots. There was a small compression breeze advantage the farther west you were so, as the fleet made its way down the Sound, that was the game. 

Glory and Zvi stayed tight through the run, while increasing a slight margin ahead of Smoke and Mist . We waited until the last second to get the kite down at Blakely and didn’t manage our best douse or transition to the next reach. 

It was an uneventful trip east to Duwamish head, where we were met with more commercial traffic at the turn, necessitating an immediate tack around the mark to avoid a tug and tow. The trip north through Elliott Bay got very fluky. Big shifts, surprising holes, and monster growlers coming through the Interbay cut. For the first portion, it didn’t seem to pay to be well inside, but by the time we neared Elliott Bay Marina, the closer to shore you were, the more favorable the current, breeze, and shifts. On the final lap in Shilshole Bay, Glory was able to extend a bit on the competition, taking line honors and the first race of the long weekend. 

With the distance race in the books, we knew we’d likely be sailing buoy races the rest of the weekend. We headed out on the water for the second day of Grand Prix, and found zero breeze. After a brief postponement, things got cookin’ again with a cold northerly hovering around 10 knots and sterling visibility. The day’s courses were set long — at least one as long as 14 miles in total for Class 1 — but the race committee was able to score three excellent races for all fleets. The committee really did a great job, with square starting lines and fair courses. 

seattle yacht club

Saturday’s Class 1 battles saw TP 52 Smoke find good form and consistency, sailing cleanly to finish the day with the best score line. They carried a one point lead over Glory into Sunday.

The second day of Grand Prix saw a few great battles brewing in other fleets. The group of boats in Class 2 has seen some of the tightest, most fun racing all season long, and this event was the latest in a riveting string of closely fought regattas. By the end of the day, Iain Christenson’s Farr 36 Annapurna and Abbey Norris’ King 40 Hydra had traded leads atop the class, and were each looking formidable. As Regan Edwards commented after a full day of racing on Farr 30, Nefarious , “We sailed until the sun went down. Literally.”

seattle yacht club

Sunday dawned with more of the same: autumn sun and champagne sailing in a brisk northerly breeze. With two more well-run buoy races on the docket, there was still lots to play for and it was moving day in many fleets — with boats ascending to podium positions thanks to double bullets. In fact, six of seven classes saw the same boat win both races on Sunday. These top performances launched J/105 Peer Gynt from third at the end of Saturday to first overall in that hotly contested one design class, and helped Farr 39ML Absolutely and Sunfast 3600 Rush secure the third podium spots in their competitive classes. 

seattle yacht club

In Class 1, Sunday was a tour de force from Smoke . They started well, positioned themselves perfectly, had plenty of speed, and just didn’t give Glory or anyone else a real shot at their regatta lead. They sailed very well and deserved their win — hats off, Smoke team! 

seattle yacht club

In the end, it was a classically great weekend of autumn racing at what is always one of the best events of the year. In addition to Smoke , around the fleet class wins went to Annapurna , John Hoag’s 1D35 Shrek , Dan Randolph’s Farr 30, Nefarious , Paul Viola’s Peer Gynt in the J/105 fleet, Herb Cole’s Melges 24 Judo Chop taking the top spot in PHRF Class 6, and Lek Dimarucot topping the J/80 one-design class on Underdog . 

Full results here . 

Title background photo by Ben Towery. 

seattle yacht club

Joe Cline has been the Managing Editor of 48° North since 2014. From his career to his volunteer leadership in the marine industry, from racing sailboats large and small to his discovery of Pacific Northwest cruising —Joe is as sail-smitten as they come. Joe and his wife, Kaylin, welcomed a baby girl to their family in December 2021, and he is enjoying fatherhood while still finding time to sail, make music, and tip back a tasty IPA every now and again.

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Discover the Best Yacht Clubs in Seattle: A Guide to Top Amenities, Membership, and Social Activities

Table of Contents

Introduction to Yacht Clubs in Seattle

Seattle, also known as the “Emerald City,” is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. With its stunning waterfront views, diverse boating opportunities, and vibrant boating community, it’s no wonder why Seattle is a popular spot for yacht clubs.

Yacht clubs offer a range of benefits to boaters, including access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and boating resources and services. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a novice looking to get started, joining a yacht club in Seattle can enhance your boating experience and provide you with a sense of community.

But with so many yacht clubs in Seattle to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this series of blogs, we’ll explore the best yacht clubs in Seattle, the benefits of joining a yacht club, and factors to consider when choosing a club. We’ll also provide a detailed review of the top yacht clubs in Seattle, and a comparison of their features, amenities, and membership fees.

Discover the Best Yacht Clubs in Seattle: A Guide to Top Amenities, Membership, and Social Activities

So whether you’re looking for a yacht club to join, or simply curious about the boating scene in Seattle, this series of blogs will provide you with all the information you need. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Joining a Yacht Club in Seattle

Joining a yacht club in Seattle comes with a range of benefits for boaters. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages of becoming a yacht club member:

Networking opportunities

Yacht clubs provide a platform for boaters to connect and network with other like-minded individuals. Whether you’re looking to socialize, share boating tips, or discuss your latest boating adventures, a yacht club can provide you with a community of fellow boaters.

Access to exclusive events

Yacht clubs often host a range of exclusive events, such as regattas, boat shows, and social gatherings. These events provide a great opportunity to meet other boaters, learn new skills, and enjoy the boating lifestyle.

Boating resources and services

Many yacht clubs offer a range of boating resources and services to their members, such as boat storage, maintenance, and repair. This can save boaters time and money, and ensure that their boats are always in top condition.

Discounts and perks

Yacht club members often enjoy discounts and perks on boating-related products and services, such as boat rentals, fuel, and dockage fees. This can help offset the cost of membership and provide additional value to members.

Overall, joining a yacht club in Seattle can enhance your boating experience, provide you with a sense of community, and offer a range of benefits and services. In the next blog, we’ll explore factors to consider when choosing a yacht club in Seattle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Yacht Club in Seattle

Choosing the right yacht club in Seattle is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your boating experience. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a yacht club:

Location and accessibility

The location of a yacht club is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to use your boat frequently. Look for a yacht club that is conveniently located and easily accessible, with ample parking and transportation options.

Membership fees and requirements

Yacht club membership fees can vary significantly, so it’s important to find a club that fits your budget. Additionally, some clubs have specific membership requirements, such as a minimum age, boating experience, or sponsorship from an existing member.

Amenities and facilities

Yacht clubs offer a range of amenities and facilities, such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and fitness centers. Consider what amenities are important to you, and look for a club that offers the facilities you need.

Social activities and events

Yacht clubs often host social activities and events, such as parties, dinners, and guest speaker series. Look for a club that offers a range of activities that align with your interests and hobbies.

Here is a video related to this post:

Culture and atmosphere

Each yacht club has its own unique culture and atmosphere, so it’s important to find a club that aligns with your values and personality. Consider visiting the club and speaking with members to get a sense of the culture

Review of the Seattle Yacht Club

The Seattle Yacht Club (SYC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in Seattle, founded in 1892. Located on Portage Bay, SYC offers a range of amenities and services for boaters, including boat storage, maintenance, and repair. Here’s a closer look at what the Seattle Yacht Club has to offer:

The Seattle Yacht Club has two locations, one in Portage Bay and the other on the shores of Lake Union. Both locations offer easy access to popular boating destinations in Seattle, with ample parking and transportation options.

The Seattle Yacht Club has a tiered membership structure, with different levels of membership based on boating experience and age. Membership fees start at $550 per year and increase based on the level of membership. The club also requires sponsorship from existing members for new members to join.

The Seattle Yacht Club offers a range of amenities and facilities, including a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and swimming pool. The club also has a full-service marina, with 180 slips for boats up to 70 feet in length.

The Seattle Yacht Club hosts a range of social activities and events, including regattas, cruises, and guest speaker series. The club also has a youth sailing program, offering sailing lessons and camps for children and teenagers.

The Seattle Yacht Club has a strong sense of community and camaraderie, with a focus on boating and water-related activities. The club also has a rich history and tradition, with a commitment to preserving the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

Overall, the Seattle Yacht Club is a top choice for boaters in Seattle, with its range of amenities, services, and social activities. However, the club’s membership requirements and fees may not be suitable for everyone. In the next blog, we’ll explore another top yacht club in Seattle.

Review of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle

The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle (CYC) is another top yacht club in Seattle, with a rich history and a strong commitment to boating and water-related activities. Here’s a closer look at what the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle has to offer:

The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle is located in Shilshole Bay, with easy access to popular boating destinations in Seattle. The club has ample parking and transportation options, including a shuttle service to and from downtown Seattle.

The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle has a range of membership options, including full membership, social membership, and junior membership. Membership fees start at $500 per year and increase based on the level of membership. The club does not require sponsorship from existing members.

The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle offers a range of amenities and facilities, including a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and swimming pool. The club also has a full-service marina, with 150 slips for boats up to 65 feet in length.

The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle hosts a range of social activities and events, including regattas, cruises, and guest speaker series. The club also has a youth sailing program, offering sailing lessons and camps for children and teenagers.

The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle has a strong sense of community and camaraderie, with a focus on boating and water-related activities. The club also has a commitment to environmental sustainability, with initiatives to reduce the club’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable boating practices.

Overall, the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle is a top choice for boaters in Seattle, with its range of amenities, services, and social activities. The club’s flexible membership options and commitment to environmental sustainability make it an attractive choice for boaters who value these qualities.

Discover the Best Yacht Clubs in Seattle: A Guide to Top Amenities, Membership, and Social Activities

In conclusion, Seattle is home to several top-notch yacht clubs, each with its own unique history, culture, and amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting out, there’s a yacht club in Seattle that’s right for you.

The Seattle Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in Seattle, with a range of amenities and services for boaters. The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle is another top choice, with flexible membership options and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

When choosing a yacht club in Seattle, it’s important to consider factors such as location, accessibility, membership fees and requirements, amenities and facilities, social activities and events, culture and atmosphere, and overall reputation.

No matter which yacht club you choose, you’ll have access to some of the best boating and water-related activities that Seattle has to offer. So grab your boat, gather some friends and family, and join one of Seattle’s top yacht clubs for an unforgettable boating experience.

For more information on Yachts, we suggest reading this article !

Hope this helps! If you liked reading this article then you’ll surely love reading this article too!

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Seattle Now & Then

Seattle Now & Then

Seattle now & then: seattle yacht club clubhouse, 1926.

(click and click again to enlarge photos)

seattle yacht club

(Published in the Seattle Times online on April 23, 2020 and in the PacificNW Magazine print edition on April 26, 2020)

Yacht club’s 1926 Montlake reception had a crowning touch

By clay eals.

Royalty fueled the roar of the 1920s in Seattle on Nov. 4, 1926. That day, the city welcomed a woman whom The Seattle Times called the “most beautiful and gracious of all Europe’s feminine monarchs,” Queen Marie .

For the 51-year-old regal representative of Romania (then spelled Rumania), Seattle was but one destination on a cross-country tour. Accompanied in an open touring car by our first female mayor, Bertha Landes , the queen zipped through an afternoon of stops initially intended for a full day.

seattle yacht club

She drew record crowds, and the city delighted her: “In all the towns I have visited, I have found none so beautiful as your Seattle. In each corner today, I have found a place where I should like to live.”

The fitting finale was the home of the Seattle Yacht Club . Its clubhouse, perched on Portage Bay, south of the University of Washington and north of today’s Highway 520, had opened six years earlier, on May 1, 1920. For a reception put on by “club women of the city” to honor the queen, the building burst with autumn blooms, its veranda rails draped in dahlias.

Only 200 of the 1,500 assembled women could greet Marie, however, because what was to be a one-hour stay lasted “scarcely more than 15 minutes.” This did not prevent 60 women – bonneted, like the queen – from posing outside with three youngsters, as our “Then” photo shows.

It’s no accident that a lighthouse-shaped cupola topped the clubhouse, which The Times called “the finest on the Coast and one of the finest in the United States.” Famed architect John Graham, Sr. , certainly intended for the Colonial Revival/Shingle Style structure to complement the recently opened Lake Washington Ship Canal, including nearby Montlake Cut, which connected Portage Bay to the lake.

The parcel, formerly marshland and a landfill for the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition at the UW campus, became available for the club’s purchase after a casino proposed for the site fizzled. The club deemed the calm, freshwater setting a buoyant change from the rough weather, railroad noise, oil dumping and swells of passing steamboats that its boaters and craft had endured at saltwater bases on Elliott Bay and along the West Seattle shore since its founding in 1892.

Today, with 2,800 member families and myriad programs for all ages, Seattle Yacht Club is the oldest and largest such local organization.

The coronavirus scuttled its traditionally sponsored early-May merriment for Opening Day, but the club optimistically has rescheduled an elaborate celebration of its clubhouse centennial for Sept. 26. Sailing and motor vessels from the 1920s are to be on display, including one that participated on Opening Day in 1920.

One might envision the pending party as fit for a queen.

To see Jean Sherrard ‘s 360-degree video of the “Now” prospect and compare it with the “Then” photo, and to hear this column read aloud by Clay Eals , check out our Seattle Now & Then 360 version of the column, when it is posted!

Below are a “Now” identifier photo and two other photos as well as 11 clippings from The Seattle Times online archive (available via Seattle Public Library) that, among others, were helpful in the preparation of this column.

And at the bottom, see a book excerpt relating to Queen Marie’s visit to the Seattle Yacht Club clubhouse on Nov. 4, 1926, plus a 1954 club menu!

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Denis Michael Thomas

December 22, 1934 - september 14, 2024.

Denis Michael Thomas

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Denis Michael Thomas

Soon to give birth to a child of the Raj, the mother of Denis Thomas, Violet, managed to complete a flight from Karachi, then India, to 'Old Blighty' where she gave birth to her son Denis in East Sussex, UK on December 22, 1934. Denis then returned to Karachi with his family and remained there until he started school. Denis attended Karachi Grammar School, Langley School, Norfolk and Imperial College London. Denis began playing rugby at age five and it became a lifelong passion of his. He was a member of the Saracens rugby club London (currently considered the highest level of competition in English rugby), and was team captain for two years. He continued playing rugby even after he was required to wear purple shorts (ages 70-84). Denis was recruited by Boeing in 1966 and intended to stay in Seattle for "just one year". He was enthralled by the Pacific Northwest and made it his home for the next 58 years. He was a founding member of the Seattle Rugby Club, the first independent team in the Northwest. They played against competitors in Vancouver, BC, and traveled back and forth biweekly long before I-5 was completed. In 1995 Boeing offered its qualified employees an "aluminum handshake", which meant that Denis could retire 5 years early. Ever frugal, Denis quickly crafted a radar mount out of driftwood for his sailboat and sailed around Vancouver Island with his wife Pam and dog Shasa. Denis was a lifetime member of the Seattle Yacht Club, where a celebration of life will be held at a later date. He is survived by his wife Pamela Barber Thomas and his beloved dog Nola.

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  1. Official site

    Seattle Yacht Club

  2. Home

    Seattle Yacht Club is a private club for boaters in the Northwest, offering sailing and powerboat events, lessons, and moorage. Learn about the club's history, facilities, activities, and how to join or visit.

  3. Joining SYC

    Seattle Yacht Club welcomes applications for membership from Northwest boaters ages 10+ who would like to join our active community. Members of the Club are entitled to use our Portage Bay Clubhouse with casual and fine dining restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities, guest moorage, and permanent moorage (subject to availability). ...

  4. Regattas

    Find out the dates, locations, and classes of the regattas hosted by Seattle Yacht Club in 2024. See the Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Results, and other information for each event.

  5. Seattle Yacht Club

    Seattle Yacht Club, Seattle, Washington. 4,675 likes · 25,600 were here. Founded in 1892, Seattle Yacht Club is one of our country's most active and long-established yacht

  6. Seattle Yacht Club

    The Seattle Yacht Club, at 1807 E Hamlin Street on Portage Bay in the Montlake neighborhood, has been a Seattle institution well more than a century. First founded, briefly, in 1879, its existence was somewhat tenuous and sporadic until 1892, when the direct predecessor of today's club was formed. Since merging with the Elliott Bay Yacht Club ...

  7. Seattle Yacht Club

    Learn about the origins, achievements and facilities of Seattle Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious yachting organizations in the world. Find out how to join, participate and enjoy the Club's social and boating events, services and community projects.

  8. SEATTLE YACHT CLUB

    Specialties: Seattle Yacht Club is home to more than 2,500 members. The Club hosts a world-class junior sailing program, which has given a start to numerous Olympians and generations of Northwest sailors. Opening Day, the Club's annual spring celebration, is the region's premier on-the-water party. Seattle Yacht Club maintains reciprocity with more than 400 other boating groups around the ...

  9. www.seattleyachtclub.com

    www.seattleyachtclub.com

  10. Seattle Yacht Club

    Seattle Yacht Club. Seattle Yacht Club is a yacht club and historic building in Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington. [ 1]

  11. An interview with Regan Edwards on the Seattle Yacht Club's 2023 Grand Prix

    And, third, if you're into racing fast sailboats in a regatta setting, the Seattle Yacht Club's annual Grand Prix regatta offers some of the area's best racing. According to the regatta's NOR, the SYC's 2023 Grand Prix is open to boats with valid ORC or PHRF-NW certificates, multihulls, and One Design keelboats that measure at least ...

  12. History

    Learn about the origins, achievements and facilities of Seattle Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious yachting organizations in the world. Find out how to join, participate and enjoy the Club's social and boating events, services and community projects.

  13. Seattle Yacht Club

    Learn about the oldest and most active yacht club in the Pacific Northwest, founded in 1892 and with ten outstations. Explore its racing, cruising, education and community programs, and its involvement in international events and organizations.

  14. Seattle Yacht Club Sailing

    Seattle Yacht Club Sailing, Seattle, Washington. 385 likes · 17 were here. Supporting the Boating Community! www.seattleyachtclub.org

  15. Restoring the Bones of Seattle Yacht Club's 100-year Club

    Learn how the club undertook a major exterior renovation project to preserve its 100-year-old clubhouse, a National Historic Place. The project included replacing siding, windows, doors, trim, deck railing and flat roof.

  16. Powerboat

    Seattle Yacht Club offers a variety of services and activities for boaters in the Pacific Northwest, including powerboat cruises, sailing regattas, junior racing, and nine outstations. Learn more about the club, its membership, and its facilities on the web page.

  17. Login

    Log in to the Seattle Yacht Club website using your member number and password. Find instructions on how to reset your password, update your security question, and access the site features.

  18. October Racing at its Best: SYC Grand Prix

    Seattle Yacht Club's venerable Grand Prix Regatta is really unique in the variety it offers each year — falling in late October over three days, you're sure to get varied conditions. The committee's decisions to mix distance and buoy racing nearly always makes it an excellent test of sailors' skills and versatility. In 2023 ...

  19. Discover the Best Yacht Clubs in Seattle: A Guide to Top Amenities

    Learn about the benefits, factors, and reviews of the best yacht clubs in Seattle, such as the Seattle Yacht Club and the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle. Compare their location, fees, facilities, activities, and culture to find the right club for you.

  20. Hours & Directions

    Find out the opening hours and location of the Seattle Yacht Club on Portage Bay, near the 520 bridge and University of Washington. Learn how to get there by land or sea, and check the bridge heights and lock information.

  21. Seattle Now & Then: Seattle Yacht Club clubhouse, 1926

    For more info on the clubhouse and its centennial, visit the website of Seattle Yacht Club. (Museum of History & Industry, courtesy Seattle Yacht Club) NOW: The Seattle Yacht Club high-school sailing team, representing the club of the future (and backed by staff who keep the club humming), approximate the pose of their 1926 predecessors. Major ...

  22. Denis Thomas

    He was a founding member of the Seattle Rugby Club, the first independent team in the Northwest. They played against competitors in Vancouver, BC, and traveled back and forth biweekly long before I-5 was completed. ... Denis was a lifetime member of the Seattle Yacht Club, where a celebration of life will be held at a later date. He is survived ...

  23. SYC Sailing

    Adult Sailing Lessons. Regattas. Junior Race Team. High School Sailing. Opti Green Fleet Program. 63.48 °F. 1807 E HAMLIN ST. SEATTLE, WA 98112. T (206) 325-1000.