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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. 

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. 

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.”

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. 

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! 

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. 

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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Yacht Clubs

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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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.

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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Event Details

UW’s student yacht club could end as university reimagines waterfront

The high cost of membership and boats probably makes joining a yacht club low on the priority list for many college students. But University of Washington students have been able to take part in one for just $39 per quarter and have full access to expensive boating equipment, lessons and time on the water.

That deal could come to an end as soon as this summer, as the university’s latest waterfront renovations threaten to shut down the 76-year-old Washington Yacht Club.

According to club members, students will lose out on a unique, affordable experience, but the university says it’s making the waterfront more equitable, opening it up to more students and a wider range of uses.

The Washington Yacht Club has been on the UW campus since 1948 and operates as a nonprofit as well as a registered student organization. The club’s goal, according to its website, is to “teach and promote sailing in a safe, inclusive, accessible, and affordable way.”

Currently, the club stores its fleet of 70 boats at the docks near Husky Stadium on the east side of campus, including dinghies, keelboats and high-performance catamarans.

The club will have to remove all of them by July 1 as the university tears down, rebuilds and repairs the docks.

“The main issue is that they are going to remove us either way, no matter what the footprint is or how that changes,” said Layla Airola, a UW junior and a spokesperson for the yacht club.

The docks, located in front of the Water Activities Center, need to be replaced as many of them “are nearing their end of life and have some safety hazards due to deterioration over time,” according to project documents.

Gregory Reinhardt, associate director for programming at UW’s recreation department, said the project will cost $2.54 million based on current projections.

Once the work is done by April 2025, the university won’t let the club return its fleet to the docks, save for maybe one boat, if it agrees to become a recreational club. Without a place to store its fleet, the yacht club will struggle to exist in its current form, members say.

Notably, the Washington Yacht Club says, the project will remove the dinghy docks, effectively shutting down the club’s small-boat sailing program, which often helps introduce beginners to the sport.

Nearby and also being renovated is the historic ASUW Shellhouse , the birthplace of the UW rowing program made famous by the book, and the recent George Clooney-directed movie, “The Boys in the Boat,” chronicling the team’s push to compete in the 1936 Olympics.

The 2023 film helped inspire the shell house project, funded by an $18.5 million fundraising campaign. When the remodel is finished in June 2026, the doors will roll open again, and the shell house will become a student and community gathering space.

Until recently, the student yacht club and other groups stored some equipment in the shell house. Airola argues the new vision for the shell house goes against the building’s origins.

“The ASUW Shellhouse’s history is centered around student athletics, yet students are being displaced to convert the building into an event venue,” Airola said in a text message.

The Washington Yacht Club isn’t the only student group displeased. Last month, the Associated Students of the University of Washington, the school’s student government, passed a resolution opposing the dock renovation as it would limit the yacht club’s ability to operate, according to The Daily, UW’s student newspaper .

The university contends the yacht club can continue to exist and has offered its members the option of becoming a recreational club. If they do, they’d be allowed to store one boat at the docks.

Reinhardt said none of the 38 active clubs the department oversees receives the same amenities the yacht club does. He said in an email the offer to make them a recreational club would make their experience “consistent with that of the other [registered student organizations] we support officially through Rec Club status.”

Reinhardt also suggested in an email to the yacht club the possibility that they could rent moorage nearby from Intercollegiate Athletics, though that option hadn’t been explored.

Airola said one boat is not enough to support the club’s approximately 300 student members. She acknowledged the club has more storage space than any other student recreation club on campus, but argues the scope of their organization warrants the space.

As the July deadline to remove their boats nears, Airola said the group is looking into other storage locations for its fleet. If the club can’t find a place, it may have to sell its boats.

“Our experience with the university has not been that they would like to keep us here,” said Renee Chien, a senior and the club’s rear commodore. “But we do offer a very unique experience for students.”

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Public Sails

Our Public Sails are 3 hour, one-of-a-kind sailing experiences offering a unique opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of the Salish Sea with the safety of having a licensed captain on board. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Olympic Peninsula and lush green forests, sailing across the Puget Sound offers a sense of freedom and tranquility.

Depending on what you’re looking for, participants have the opportunity to take the helm and trim the sails under the guidance of a licensed skipper or simply enjoy the ride while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

As you sail along, keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that calls the Puget Sound home. You may see pods of orca whales swimming in the distance, harbor seals basking in the sun, or bald eagles and ospreys soaring above.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset sailor an evening with family and friends, a skippered sail is an experience you won’t forget. So sit back, relax, and let the captain take care of everything as you enjoy the beauty of the Salish Sea.

Important Note: It’s important to note that this sailing adventure is hosted on a sailboat, which may present mobility challenges for some guests. The boat’s bathroom, for instance, is only accessible by ladder into the cabin. Additionally, depending on the conditions of the Puget Sound, moving around the boat may be difficult for those with mobility difficulties. Our licensed skipper may also require assistance during the sail.

SSC Member Price

Non-member price, member price (children under 12), non-member price (children under 12), per event capacity, per event capacities.

Maximum: 6 participants

Minimum: 4 participants

Cancellation/Rescheduling & Refund Policy

Skippered Sails are popular events at Seattle Sailing Club. We have a running waitlist of folks who would like to participate. Please let us know if you would like to cancel as soon as possible.

• If you are sick or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, we ask that you do not attend the event – please give us a call.
• All cancellations must be sent directly to [email protected] . Do not reply to any of your automatic event emails – we will not receive your cancellation.
• Cancellations are available up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours of the event are subject to a 50% rescheduling or cancellation fee.
• Refunds or transfers are not given to no-shows. Cancellations made by the Club due to heavy conditions, low visibility or thunder/lightning can happen. In these cases, you will be refunded for your event or you may use the credit toward a future event. Send us an email to let us know if you would like to be refunded or rebooked to another event.

Q: What should I be aware of when joining one of your skippered sails?

• Sea Sickness: Sailing on open water can lead to seasickness for some individuals. It’s advisable to bring motion sickness remedies and consult a healthcare professional if you’re prone to seasickness.
• Unpredictable Weather: Weather conditions can change rapidly at sea, which may affect the overall experience. The captain will prioritize safety and may need to adjust the itinerary or return to port if conditions become unfavorable.
• Mobility Challenges: Moving around a sailboat can be challenging, especially for individuals with limited mobility. Participants should be aware of the potential difficulties and plan accordingly. Additionally, please note that the bathroom on the boat is only accessible by ladder into the cabin.
• Assisting the Skipper: In certain situations, the skipper may require assistance from participants. This could involve tasks related to sailing, safety procedures, or maneuvering the boat.
• Life Jackets and Safety Equipment: Participants will be provided with life jackets and briefed on safety procedures. It’s crucial to follow all safety instructions provided by the skipper.
• Proper Attire: Participants should wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, including layers and waterproof gear if necessary. Non-slip, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential to protect against sunburn and glare from the water.
• Hydration and Snacks: It’s important to stay hydrated while on the water. Bring an adequate supply of water and snacks.
• Wildlife Interaction: While observing wildlife can be a thrilling part of the experience, it’s crucial to do so from a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
• Alcohol Consumption: Sun and being on the water can increase the effects of alcohol; for your safety and the safety of others, alcohol is allowed only in moderation. Please avoid bringing red wine on board as it has a propensity to stain gel coat. Please follow any guidelines provided by the skipper.
• Emergency Procedures: Participants will be briefed on emergency procedures, including how to use safety equipment and what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Medical Conditions: Participants should inform the skipper of any medical conditions or allergies that may require special attention during the sail.

Q: Where do we meet?

7001 Seaview Ave NW Suite 130 Seattle, WA 98117 We are on the west (water-facing) side of the building. Our office hours are 9am – 5pm, however our office will reopen open 15 minutes prior to after-hours cruises. Feel free to come on in, browse our Pro Shop and check out the Club! Check in with the front desk if we’re open, and the captain will meet you inside the office.

Q: How can I prepare for my Skippered Sail?

• Schedule your sail.  Call or email the club to schedule your lesson.
• Pack your bag according to the marine weather forecast.  We suggest bringing a waterproof outer shell, warm layers made with polyester, fleece, wool or merino wool (no cotton), non-slip/non-marking shoes and sunscreen. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) website provides up-to-date weather forecasts for the Puget Sound area. At the bottom of the page, you will find the forecast for the  Puget Sound and Hood Canal

Q: What kind of boat will we be on?

These events take place on one of our 30’+ sloop rigged sailboats.

Q: Will we sail if it is raining?

Yes, these events are rain or shine. The Club will cancel the event if the wind is blowing 20kts+ (or 15+kts in the winter), thundering/lightning, low visibility (fog/smoke), or the minimum number of participants was not met for the event.

Q: Is there free parking?

There are 2 parking lots – 1 is south and the other north of the building we’re in. The south parking lot has more permit-free parking spots than the north, however if both are full, free street parking is available as well. Please be mindful of the public versus permit spaces, which are clearly labeled. Public restrooms and a water fountain are available in the marina office atrium; look for the double doors on either side of the building.

Q: What do I bring or wear?

Always check the weather and pack accordingly! Please do not wear black soled shoes on board. Bring a jacket, a warm layer, and a hat – even in the summer it can be very chilly on the water. In the winter, please bring a warm clothing, a blanket and a warm beverage of your choosing. In Summer, don’t forget to bring sunscreen! Food and beverages are welcome on board.

Published on September 14th, 2024 | by Editor

Repeat win for Corinthian Yacht Club

Published on September 14th, 2024 by Editor -->

A command performance by Corinthian Yacht Club (Marblehead, MA) saw the well-honed team skippered by Wade Waddell take its second consecutive victory in the prestigious Resolute Cup, held September 11-14 in Newport, RI. The victory secures the venerable club a berth in the 2025 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup.

Serving as a Corinthian Championship for U.S. Yacht Clubs. the 2024 edition showcased teams representing 28 yacht clubs from around the country who fielded their best sailors to compete. Twenty races were sailed over four days in the Opening Series, with the top 14 boats advancing to a two-race Medal Series on the final afternoon when scores were doubled for each race.

Waddell, 27, and his team of Doug Sabin, Duncan Swain, and Miranda Bakos, finished 18 of 20 races sailed in the Opening Series inside of the top five and won the regatta by sixteen points.

New York Yacht Club, skippered by Peter Levesque, finished second, and Mystic River Mudheads Sailing Association, skippered by Peter Lynn, took third, winning a tiebreaker with Eastern Yacht Club, which scored fourth in a repeat of its 2022 result. An impressive showing by Detroit’s Bayview Yacht Club rounded out the top five.

“Winning a second time feels amazing!” says Waddell. “It’s never been done before; no other club has won twice so we are happy to be the first ones to do it. I am sure everyone at home is thrilled.”

Waddell credits his hugely successful Northeastern team for their epic repeat performance.

“We all did this two years ago with exactly the same team,” says Waddell. “Our main trimmer, Doug is CYC’s Rear Commodore and a Sonar World Champion. He really gets the boat going fast around the course all the time.

“Duncan does bow and trims jib for us and he brings a great energy to the boat. Miranda has won almost every regatta she has ever tried to win, she’s extremely good and a constant on the boat; she keeps the three guys in line and focused. We have a tremendous amount of trust in each other.”

No longer a Resolute Cup rookie, Waddell knew coming in that he’d be up against a spectacularly competitive fleet; from the outset, the focus was on keeping their scores low.

“We knew it was going to be a super deep fleet,” says Waddell. “Sonars are pretty even boats and everyone here is very good at sailing. We knew it was going to be tight racing. We reviewed results from 2018, which was a similar format to this year and saw that the winners averaged about a six, so we had that number in the back of our heads of what we were trying to average out over the course of the regatta. I think we did better than that.

Following the conclusion of the Opening Series, the Medal Series fleet endured a long wait for a marginal breeze to eventuate, causing the Corinthian Yacht Club team just a little anxiety until the breeze filled in.

“The conditions were pretty sketchy—puffy and shifty—which made it unclear what side was going to be favored so that certainly made it tight,” says Waddell. “We waited for a few hours for the medal races to start which made me anxious.

“Going into the last medal race, we were 26 points up on New York so they would have had to win, and we would have had to get last in order to not win the regatta. Our strategy was, ‘Hey, we just need to beat one boat. Let’s start in the middle, have a conservative start and just play the fleet’.”

Waddell is already looking out to next year’s Invitational Cup; after taking second in 2023, the Corinthian team is going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.

“This is the first checkmark to get into the Invitational, and now we have our eyes set on climbing to the top of the mountain at that regatta and getting back there to have a strong finish—we have an amazing team to accomplish that,” says Waddell.

“We have great teammates back home at the Corinthian Yacht Club who support us, it’s really a fantastic family culture, we encourage each other, push each other hard at practice, and it pays off at these regattas.”

A notoriously challenging event for newcomers given the high premium on talent, Charleston Yacht Club put on a convincing performance at their first Resolute Cup to finish 11th overall. Three of the team—David Dabney, Joe Pitcavage, and John Colarusso—sailed together on the College of Charleston sailing team, while Megan Riddle-Tracy was on the College of Charleston team in later years.

With no experience racing together in Newport and little in the Sonar, the team’s strategy coming into the event was to observe the old guard.

“We watched closely the people who sail these boats often to try to figure out little tips, how to make them go fast, how to stay in clean air and keep the boat going fast, that was our plan,” says Dabney.

“It’s been top competition; at the top weather mark a boat length and a half is the difference between top five and bottom five, so tough racing, but a lot of fun. Next time we’ll feel more confident knowing the racecourses, the tide and current, it would be nice to have more inside information on that, but it wasn’t a factor holding us back—we had plenty of other things holding us back!”

The Corinthian Spirit Award, voted by all competitors as well as the Organizing Authority, was awarded to Little Traverse Yacht Club, skippered by veteran Scott Sellers.

“This is my third time doing this regatta, I haven’t done it in 10 years but I had the opportunity this year between work and family to pull it off so I’m really grateful to be here, I couldn’t turn it down,” says Sellers.

“Sailing out of Harbour Court with this level of competition is a special experience. I like racing the Sonar, they’re equal so it makes for great tight racing, and the New York Yacht Club does a first-class job of throwing good events. It’s so great to see so many old friends and to meet a lot of new friends. NYYC does a great job of making it happen.”

Event information – Crew roster – Results

Competing teams : American Yacht Club (Rye, NY); Austin Yacht Club (Austin, TX); Bay Waveland Yacht Club (Bay St. Louis, MS); Bayview Yacht Club (Detroit, MI); California Yacht Club (Los Angeles, CA); Carolina Yacht Club (Charleston, SC); Charleston Yacht Club (Charleston, SC); Chicago Yacht Club (Chicago, IL); Corinthian Yacht Club (Marblehead, MA); Corinthian Yacht Club of San Francisco (Tiburon, CA); Eastern Yacht Club (Marblehead, MA); Edgewater Yacht Club (Cleveland, OH); Fort Worth Yacht Club (Fort Worth, TX); Lakewood Yacht Club (Seabrook, TX); Larchmont Yacht Club (Larchmont, NY); Little Traverse Yacht Club (Harbor Springs, MI); Mystic River Mudheads Sailing Association (West Mystic, CT).; New York Yacht Club (New York, NY); Newport Harbor Yacht Club (Newport Beach, CA); Pensacola Yacht Club (Pensacola, FL); San Diego Yacht Club (San Diego, CA); Seattle Yacht Club (Seattle, WA); Shelter Island Yacht Club (Shelter Island Heights, NY); Southern Yacht Club (New Orleans, LA); St. Francis Yacht Club (San Francisco, CA); Stamford Yacht Club (Stamford, CT); Storm Trysail Club (Larchmont, NY); The San Francisco Yacht Club (Belvedere, CA)

Source: NYYC

Tags: Corinthian Yacht Club , Doug Sabin , Duncan Swain , Miranda Bakos , Resolute Cup , Wade Waddell

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Battle of Clubs at the Resolute Cup →

Top teams return for Resolute Cup →

Rookies aim for Resolute Cup title →

Family time at Yacht Club Championship →

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