new york yacht club newport membership cost

How Much Does a New York Yacht Club Membership Cost?

The New York Yacht Club, said to be the best club in the world by sailors, is located in New York City and New Port, Rhode Island.  It was founded in 1844 by a group of yachtsmen at the time.

The club was established in 1844, making it one of the oldest clubs in New York.

To date, the club has more than 3,000 members, and membership to the club is by invitation only.

How much does a New York Yacht Club membership cost?

Being a private club, the fees are not publically known, but from our research from third-party sources, we found the membership fees are said to be said to be low $xx,xxx annually and the initiation dues are said to be less than $25,000.  These are estimates given by a third-party source and cannot be deemed accurate.  Refer to the club for more information on the exact pricing.

To join the club, a potential member has to be nominated by a current club member, and as a requirement, the applicant needs to have applicable boating experience and three letters of recommendations.  If approved for membership, the new member is allowed to attend a reception ceremony at the Harbor Court, weather permitting in spring or at the clubhouse at 44th street in the fall.  To read more about the club’s application procedure and by-laws, you can refer to this official PDF.

New York Yacht Club overview

The headquarters offers high-end dining options, patios and libraries filled with books from floor to ceiling, according to Investopedia .  As per BusinessInsider.com , the primary clubhouse also features the  Model Room , which is a room featuring a massive display of model ships.

Tips to know

The club’s headquarters, a six-story stone-front building, is located on 44th street in Manhattan.  Aside from this location, as mentioned, the club offers a located on the water in Newport, Rhode Island.

The club is known for starting the  Americas Cup  yacht race.

54 percent of the members are yacht owners as per the official brochure.  Of these, 1,116 are sailboards and 614 are powerboats.  The rest are yachts ranging from 22 to 289 feet long.

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Navigating the Elegance: A Comprehensive Guide to Newport County’s Yacht Clubs

• September 20, 2023

Newport, Rhode Island, renowned for its rich maritime history and picturesque coastal scenery, is a hub for sailing enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. The city is home to a collection of prestigious yacht clubs that offer an exquisite blend of nautical charm, impeccable services, and breathtaking vistas.

A number of our Hogan Associates agents are active members of local yacht clubs and can offer insight and recommendations to suit your needs. While programs vary, typical services include boat storage and maintenance, mooring services, sailing instruction, race management, social events, and junior sailing programs. This overview of the prominent yacht clubs of Newport, as well as nearby Jamestown, Tiverton, and Little Compton is a glimpse into the offerings and options available. 

New York Yacht Club (NYYC)

5 Halidon Avenue, Newport, RI

The New York Yacht Club, founded in 1844, is the third oldest yacht club in the United States and an iconic symbol of sailing heritage. While its headquarters remain at the New York Yacht Club Building in New York City, its Rhode Island location is nestled in the exquisite Harbour Court estate and offers stunning panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Membership here provides access to world-class dining, sailing events, and upscale amenities. The club also offers a range of sailing programs and regattas, making it an ideal choice for both experienced sailors and newcomers to the sport. The America’s Cup trophy was first won by members in 1851 and held by the NYYC until 1983.

Newport Yacht Club

110 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI

Situated at the heart of Newport’s historic waterfront, the Newport Yacht Club offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. With its relaxed atmosphere, the club provides an inviting environment for boaters of all levels. Besides access to well-maintained facilities, members can enjoy a vibrant social calendar, sailing lessons, and competitive racing events. The club’s prime location also ensures easy access to Newport’s downtown attractions.

Ida Lewis Yacht Club

170 Wellington Ave, Newport, RI

Named after the legendary lighthouse keeper, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club offers a picturesque location on Lime Rock overlooking Newport Harbor. This family-oriented club boasts a range of amenities and a lively clubhouse. Known for its emphasis on junior sailing programs, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club nurtures a love for sailing among young enthusiasts.

Sail Newport

Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI

As a community sailing center, Sail Newport focuses on accessibility and education. Located within the historic Fort Adams State Park, the club offers an array of programs suitable for all ages and skill levels. From sailing lessons and rentals to regattas, Sail Newport provides a dynamic platform for embracing the joy of sailing without the need for private membership. 

Conanicut Yacht Club

40 Bay View Drive, Jamestown, RI

Just across the Newport Pell Bridge on Conanicut Island, the Conanicut Yacht Club offers a serene retreat with spectacular vistas of Narragansett Bay. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the club provides an array of sailing activities, social events, and dining options. The junior sailing program is highly regarded, making it an excellent choice for families seeking to cultivate a love for sailing in their children.

Tiverton Yacht Club

58 Riverside Dr, Tiverton, RI

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Tiverton, Rhode Island, this club provides a haven for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. Services and amenities include state-of-the-art marina facilities with well-maintained docks and slips, boat storage, and a well-stocked ship’s store for all your maritime needs. Members can enjoy access to clubhouse facilities, featuring waterfront dining, bar services, and event spaces for social gatherings. TYC’s robust program calendar offers sailing lessons, regattas, and races for sailors of all skill levels, fostering a vibrant community of passionate sailors.

Sakonnet Yacht Club

163 Sakonnet Point Rd, Little Compton, RI

Sakonnet Yacht Club, situated on the scenic shores of the Sakonnet River, provides well-maintained docks and moorings, a clubhouse with a restaurant serving delicious cuisine, and a bar overlooking the water, perfect for social gatherings and events. Sakonnet Yacht Club also hosts an array of programs, from sailing lessons for beginners to regattas and races for experienced sailors, fostering a vibrant maritime community that welcomes all ages and skill levels.

Newport County is a beacon for yachting enthusiasts with a wide array of yacht clubs catering to diverse tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the sport, Newport County’s yacht clubs provide a range of experiences, from opulent and exclusive to community-oriented and accessible. The unique blend of history, culture, and maritime excellence ensures that any boating enthusiast can find a perfect haven for indulging in their passion. So, whether you’re navigating the competitive waters or seeking a tranquil escape, Newport’s yacht clubs invite you to embrace the allure of the sea in all its splendor.

Explore these other blogs posts about boating in Rhode Island:

• Best Boating Destinations around Newport, Rhode Island
• Everything You Need to Know About Rhode Island Boating Licenses
• Services for Boat Owners: From Maintenance to Meal Planning
• No Boat Taxes in Rhode Island? Yes, it’s true.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a property in Newport, RI or its surrounding communities, Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate will gladly be your guide. Call us at (401) 680-6588 or send a message to [email protected].

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A Guide to the Private Clubs and Restaurants of Newport, RI

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Pictured: The Newport Reading Room

There are a number of Newport restaurants are hard to get into, not because they are too busy or “too cool for school” but because they require referrals or special memberships to enter.

As you’ll see, some of these private establishments make their membership requirements and information about them very public, and others you can’t find a thing about!

The following sixteen “private” establishments operate with a Class D liquor license (full privilege of beer and wine), which authorizes the sale of beverages to members of the licensed club or their guests.

The state maximum number of  Class D  licenses  allowed in Newport is 16.

Members only at these 16 Newport establishments…

In no particular order.

1 – Ancient Order of Hibernians

2 Wellington Avenue

AOH Division 1 is Newport County’s Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. We are one of the largest and most active Divisions of the Hibernians in the US. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City May 4, 1836.

Membership is confined to:

• men 16 years and older
• who are practicing Roman Catholics
• of Irish birth or descent, and
• who are citizens of United States of America,
• or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States of America.

2 – Ida Lewis Yacht Club

Wellington Avenue

Ida Lewis Yacht Club is located on Lime Rock in the eastern part of Brenton Cove. Lime Rock was the location of the Lime Rock Light Station in Newport Harbor whose lighthouse keeper Ida Lewis was famous for the rescue of 18 seaman. The ILYC club burgee has 18 stars representing each of these lives she saved. The buildings at Lime Rock were sold for $7200 in 1928.  Ida Lewis Yacht Club was founded that year.  A 300′ long walkway was constructed to connect the club to Wellington Avenue.

• Members are earnestly requested to endorse only candidates who are well known to them in a social context, who have an interest in yachting, and whom they can enthusiastically recommend for membership.
• Application for membership must be sponsored by a Proposer and a Seconder, who must be voting members. A Proposer and a Seconder may initiate no more than one proposing and one seconding action each Club Season.
• The completed application by the Proposer, Seconder and three (3) letters of recommendation along with the Candidate information form (including photo) shall be submitted to the Chair of the Membership Committee by the Proposer. Addit

3 – Irish American Athletic Club

642 Thames Street

4 – New York Yacht Club – Harbour Court

5 Halidan Avenue

The New York Yacht Club’s headquarters is located on 44th Street in New York City in midtown Manhattan. The NYYC maintains a second facility: Harbour Court, an on-the-water clubhouse in Newport, RI.

This clubhouse enabled the NYYC to host a variety of competitions and reaffirm the Club’s leadership role in Corinthian yacht racing. The original clubhouse, which served 23 years in Hoboken, 45 in Glen Cove as Station 10, and 50 on exhibit at Mystic Seaport, made its final voyage in 1999, to Harbour Court, where it stands as an important artifact and reminder of the Club’s origins.

5 – Newport Country Club

280 Harrison Avenue

Newport Country Club, founded in 1893, is a historic private golf club in Newport, Rhode Island, that hosted both the first U.S. Amateur Championship and the first U.S. Open in 1895.

6 – Newport Elk’s Club #104

141 Pelham Street

This Fraternal Order was founded “To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship.” The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity. Proposal for membership in the Order is only by invitation of a member in good standing. To be accepted as a member, one must be an American citizen, believe in God, be of good moral character and be at least 21 years old.

7 – Newport Reading Room

29 Bellevue Avenue

The Newport Reading Room (also known as The Reading Room), founded in 1854, is a gentlemen’s club located on Bellevue Avenue. The Spouting Rock Beach Association owns the building and also owns the famed Bailey’s Beach

8 – Newport Yacht Club

110 Long Wharf

From its inception in 1894, the Newport Yacht Club has been heavily involved in yachting on Narragansett Bay and the surrounding area. The members support sail training for area youth and adults, power and sail cruises, PHRF and one design racing, seamanship courses taught by the US Power Squadron, and also provide a friendly Club house and marina for members and visiting yachtsmen from around the world.

Membership in NYC requires the sponsorship of Club members.

9 – Newport Sportsmans Club

110 JT Connell Hwy

Not enough info made public

10 – Oak Street Partnership/Kerry Hill Club

95 2nd Street

Not enough info made public

11 – Spec’s Protective Club

596 Thames Street

The Protective Club, (“Speck’s” aka Speck Harrington’s Protective Club) was founded in 1904 and currently occupies the Jeremiah Crowley House (596 Thames St., 1893).

12 – Pyramid Club

32-34 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd

13 – Bailey’s Beach/Spouting Rock Beach Association

34 Ocean Ave

Bailey’s Beach (officially named and owned by the Spouting Rock Beach Association) is an elite private beach and club. They also own the Newport Reading Room on Bellevue.

14 – IYAC Club

536 Thames Street

Where sailors and friends from around the world meet to swap sea stories over a cold one. Captains and crew; marine professionals; whether it be power or sail, runabouts, dinghies to mega-yachts, are all welcome at the IYAC!

A one year membership to the IYAC, which includes all membership privileges, is $50.

15 – Vasco Da Gama Portuguese American

15 Fenner Avenue

First organized as a fraternal and religious organization focusing on the Portuguese community, it has evolved into an organization with a membership dedicated to the betterment of the community and extends to include all ethnicities regardless of religious or social beliefs.

Membership inquiries encourage and welcome.

16 – Friendly Sons of Newport Social Club

5 Farewell Street

This story was originally published on November 15, 2015.

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New York Yacht Club-Harbour Court

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

5 Halidon Ave

Newport, RI 02840

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As a member of the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco we have reciprocal privileges to use the NYYC club (and Vice Versa) when we're are traveling. This goes for the NYYC Harbor Court station in Newport, RI. Our Commodore was having his "Commodore Cruise" in New England and the closing dinner was to be at Harbor Court. Now, with COVID there was a limit on guests amd total crowd for a dinner. We had over 100 cruising ew England and over 80 were due for the final dinner. Add Henri the hurricane to the mix and we had some challenges for the dinner. We had cocktails on the front lawn. Then, the NYYC set is up outside in the motor court area for dinner. This allowed us to get our entire group together. Weather was perfect. Calm Before the storm as they say. We even had the opportunity to watch the clubs "colors" ceremony when they retreat the flag each evening prior to sunset. Now getting to the food and service. With COVID it is especially hard to find amd keep good servers. We struggle with that at our club. It here at the NYYC. First they had plenty of staff. A welcome reprise from those businesses who can't seem to ramp staff back up. Even more impressive, their staff are trained very well. Women first, serve from left, remove from Right etc... I was thoroughly impressed that during COVID, and the night before a major hurricane, the NYYC was able to host the dinner for the StFYC and do so at such a best-of-class level. If you have a chance to visit Harbor Court, don't miss it!

Motor court entrance to NYYC's Harbor Court. We had our dinner outside last night.

Members and guests standing proud during the "colors" ceremony when the club lowers the American flag each night. #tradition #honor

I recently came for a cocktail with some co-workers. The grounds and views are stunning. If you are ever so fortunate as to accept an invitation from a member please come for a visit! Our waitress was kind and attentive. She took everyone's drink orders quickly and our orders were correct. (I did have to describe what was in a Cape Codder though). Lovely location, great to soak in a beautiful summer day. We may get to enjoy a dinner here in the future and I look forward to updating my review.

For all of the New York Affluent Yacht owners, now you can add a club of your own to accommodate all of your guest that are fine wine lovers. This is an amazing opportunity to have a supply of the best curated fine wines from Napa and Sonoma region, delivered directly to your Dock. To learn more about this opportunity visit http://1f89.com/wine-delivered-to-your-yacht/ or call 1-480-788-5051

Gorgeous venue, with arguably the best views in town. Delicious, fresh, and high quality food. The menu is generally not very large, but offers a good selection of choices. The venue has different events, and menu changes each day - sometimes there are buffets. The service is courteous, although registering when walking in can be lengthy. The outdoor patio and lounge chairs area is very enjoyable. Lunches tend to be less busy and more peaceful. Dinners can get crowded and loud with many visitors who come to watch the sunset. The boat water parking is located right below.

See all photos from Kelly S. for New York Yacht Club-Harbour Court

I had the opportunity to enjoy this fine establishment for my brother-in-law's naval change of command ceremony dinner. The grounds of the club are beautiful and meticulously maintained. All the staff are gracious and welcoming - the bartenders even kept an eye on my nephews during some dull dinner moments. Cocktails served on the patio overlooking the harbor with a beautiful (and STEEP!) grassy hill down to the water really set the mood for a nice evening. The formal dinner was chicken, leeks and some sort of grain - all very good and well prepared. Service was impeccable. Even though I'm not exactly your "yacht club" type o' gal, I'd definitely say I'm a fan of this place :)

Spectacular wedding venue! Staff was helpful and kind, food was delicious and perfectly cooked.

View of the boat house where the wedding took place. Absolutely gorgeous!

Beautiful place to have an event. The staff is wonderful and the food is magnificent. As a sailor myself it's one of the places I love to go to. The view from the hill is amazing. I never get tired of it.

An exquisite venue on Newport Harbor. I've attended several weddings and social events at this venerable Rhode Island private establishment. Members may extend privileges to friends who can take advantage of the lovely lodging or the bar and dining facilities. You can't go wrong paying a visit to Harbor Court. Remember: no cell phones in club public areas!

Great lobster roll. Fresh and good volume. Friendly service but slow. Not much dessert menu. Coffee taste nice.

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• 5 More Cost Guides

How Much Do Yacht Club Memberships Cost? (5 Helpful Examples)

Joining a yacht club is an important milestone in your life. It marks a certain degree of success and allows you to enjoy plenty of luxurious amenities. Setting sail on a yacht is the ultimate way to unwind from a hectic work week while you try to climb the corporate ladder.

Fortunately, there are yacht clubs all over the country that would love to welcome you as a brand-new member. You can enjoy an afternoon on the water with a beautiful yacht in exchange for a small sum of money.

But how much do Yacht Club memberships generally cost?

Prices for Yacht Clubs will vary based on your location, the fleet, and even the amenities that are offered at the marina. The average annual membership price is between $900-$4,000 depending on your level of luxury and needs.

To give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for your yacht club membership, here are some numbers gathered from across the country:

Table of Contents

What Does Each Yacht Club Offer?

Each yacht club is going to offer something that sets it apart from the others on this listing. To give you a better idea of where your money is going, here is a brief synopsis of what you can expect at each location.

Related Article: How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost? (4 Examples)

Charleston Yacht Club

Charleston is a premier cruising destination with plenty of waterways for you to explore. They offer a launch hoist, dry slips, day dockage, free parking, and a long list of events scheduled throughout the year.

You also gain privileges at other yacht clubs around the world. If you don’t own your own yacht, they have plenty of members who often have room on their boats to accommodate a few extra passengers.

Florida Yacht Club

The Florida Yacht Club is a relatively exclusive club that features amazing amenities like fine dining and an array of aquatic activities.

You can play tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or massage, or get in a rousing game of croquet from the shore. They also host events and permit you to extend your privileges to other locations scattered around the Florida coast.

Atlanta Yacht Club

The Atlanta Yacht Club is primarily geared toward sailors who are interested in racing. They have a fleet of more than thirty different boats that are designed to help you further your knowledge of sailing.

If you still have a lot to learn, you can even take classes at this location. Prospective members must be sponsored and co-sponsored by two club members for entrance.

Related Article: 7 Boat Clubs in Florida You Should Know (Before Choosing)

Chicago Yacht Club

Members of the Chicago Yacht Club will find plenty of opportunities to get involved. With more than forty different committees, you can find a circle of friends that have common interests beyond just sailing and racing.

You also receive transient docking at both the Belmont and Monroe harbors, exclusive invites to private events, and reciprocity at more than 900 clubs across the country.

Related Article: Boat Clubs in Boston: 5 Clubs You Should Know

California Yacht Club

The California Yacht Club is home to both national and world championship regattas.

They host plenty of events from scuba club to book club to wine tastings. If you want to find a true community of like-minded sailors, this could be the place for you.

One of the best features is the reciprocity at locations not just across the United States but across the world. You can feel free to travel the world with your yacht and experience some of the same fellowship globally.

Related Article: Boat Clubs In Los Angeles: 7 Clubs You Should Know

What are the Cheapest Yacht Clubs?

The cheapest yacht clubs charge just under $1,000 per year for membership. While this does give you access to different types of experiences, you may be disappointed by the overall amenities.

Some yacht clubs are known for their extravagant country club styles that help you to embrace a particular lifestyle. They include Olympic-sized swimming pools, state-of-the-art tennis courts, and fine dining.

Everything has a beautiful waterfront view. It can feel like you are in the middle of an idyllic paradise without ever even having to leave the shore. If this is what you can gain from the most expensive yacht clubs, you should set your expectations much lower for the cheaper yacht clubs.

The cheaper yacht clubs lack the community aspect of these exclusive options. They feature dry slips and the occasional party, but not much more.

Some of them may have the feel of a county park with some picnic benches, outdoor grills, and a moderately sized swimming pool. Expect a much more casual atmosphere when you choose to go with a cheaper yacht club.

It is even possible that they are simply “paper yacht clubs” that do not even maintain a physical building of their own.

How Much Do the Most Expensive Yacht Clubs Cost to Join?

The most expensive yacht clubs can vary a great deal in price. Most of them will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per year. However, you can certainly find more exclusive clubs that will cost above and beyond this.

Keep in mind that these more expensive clubs generally are not open to the public. They are offered by invitation only and you must have a member sponsor you to be considered for entrance.

When you are paying for a more expensive yacht club, you should make sure that you are really going to get your money’s worth. These expensive clubs promote a certain type of elegant lifestyle.

Make sure that you are planning to take advantage of all the amenities available from one of these clubs before you sink too much money into the membership fees. The social aspect of these expensive yacht clubs is extremely important.

If you plan to simply rent a boat from time to time, you might be able to go with a cheaper yacht club.

Related Article: How Long Do Sailboats Last?

What Is Generally Included in the Membership Fee for Yacht Clubs?

Have you been wondering why you should join a yacht club? Many potential members want to know what they can expect from their membership fees before they commit to a year-long contract. There are many advantages to signing up for a membership with a well-known yacht club.

Amenities and Activities

First and foremost, you get access to activities and cruises planned by board members. These might be various sailing activities, dinners, get-togethers, tennis matches, or other events that take up a lazy Sunday afternoon.

You also gain access to any amenities that surround the yacht club’s marina. For many programs, this means a fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. Several locations also offer fine dining, meeting rooms, and more.

It is like a private oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the regular world. Time moves slowly when you’re enjoying the amenities here.

Many yacht clubs have programs that introduce children (and adults!) to sailing. Take classes to learn more about improving your technique, sailing safety, and other important aspects of life on the open water.

Access to the Fleet

The main reason why most people join yacht clubs is to be able to rent out boats instead of purchasing their own. Joining a yacht club may give you access to an entire fleet of yachts that can be reserved for a day or weeks at a time. Some yacht clubs allow you to rent boats for up to ten days at a time.

Others do not allow you to rent out ships. They are primarily geared toward individuals who already own a yacht or will own a yacht in the future. Make sure you know the difference in advance.

Are There any Additional Costs Besides the Membership Fees?

Unfortunately, the membership fees are not the only cost associated with joining a yacht club. Most of the clubs in the United States also have a one-time initial fee that tends to cost thousands of dollars. Many will range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the location and the exclusivity of the yacht club.

This one-time fee should be the only additional money you pay except for fuel. Most yacht clubs do not cover the cost of the fuel used in the ship during your rental if renting is an option. Be prepared for what this could cost you.

If you cause damage to the ship, you can also expect some out-of-pocket costs. Insurance should cover the damage, but you will likely be asked to cover the cost of the deductible.

Be sure to inquire about how much you may be on the hook for before you sign up for any particular yacht club. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced sailors. Make sure that you can afford the mishap in advance.

Is a Yacht Club Membership Right for You?

Understanding what the real cost of a yacht club membership is can be the first step toward determining if this is right for you. Many people love the luxuries available through the more expensive yacht clubs, but they may not be able to afford it. Consider what is most important in a club to you before deciding to sign on the dotted line for an annual membership.

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New York Yacht Club

Today’s New York Yacht Club is, Commodore Lawrence Huntington says, “a far cry from white-haired businessmen having lunch in February in Manhattan.” It is no longer, as it was for most of its existence, a paradox: a yacht club with no permanent waterfront presence, only a midtown address, on West 44th Street between 5th and 6th avenues. With a clubhouse in Newport, R.I., that has become a popular summer destination, the club now attracts more young sailors into its fold than ever before.

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Even before the 1988 addition of the Newport clubhouse, the 160-year-old club could argue it was the world’s preeminent yachting association. “As the yacht club was the earliest and only organization to have a national scope, thinkers and influential people in the sport tended to convene under the banner of the New York Yacht Club,” says Huntington. “It became established as the place where that influence would be wielded, and I think that persists to this day.”

John Cox Stevens, the club’s founder and first commodore, owned the schooner America, which, in 1851, bested a fleet of English competitors, caught the attention of Queen Victoria, and inspired the launch of the America’s Cup race. From 1851 through 1983, the club successfully defended the trophy 25 times.

However, after losing the America’s Cup to Australia in 1983, the officers of the NYYC realized that their organization’s identity had depended too heavily on its stewardship of the trophy. Younger sailors, especially those not living in New York, were joining clubs with waterfront properties, while the NYYC was fast becoming a creaky watering hole where Manhattan bankers would talk business rather than sailing over their cocktails.

The rejuvenation process began when the club acquired Harbour Court in Newport, once the summer home of John Nicholas Brown, of the Brown University Browns. By providing members with access to the steady winds and deep waters of Rhode Island Sound, Harbour Court quickly transformed the club’s character. “The club used to be a place where people met in the wintertime and convened for parties and dinners, and by definition, that meant an older crowd,” Huntington says.

Like its Harvard Club neighbor, the 44th Street clubhouse, which was designed by Grand Central Station architect Whitney Warren, still serves as a traditional, jacket-and-tie midtown club. It includes a full bar, leather couches, rooms for overnight guests, and a musty library full of noteworthy nautical volumes. The Model Room, the centerpiece of the West 44th Street clubhouse, contains close to 1,300 miniature ships mounted on the walls or enclosed in glass cases. Downstairs, the dining room, which is shaped like the interior of a hull, is popular for weekday lunches and pretheater dinners. Here, conversation, regardless of its initial direction, usually turns to boating.

At Harbour Court, about 200 miles northeast of midtown, the atmosphere is decidedly different. Deck shoes and polo shirts are part of the weekend dress code, and children are welcome to play outside on the sun-washed and wind-lashed grounds. As is the case at the 44th Street clubhouse, business conversations are discouraged in Harbour Court’s common areas, and cell phones are prohibited.

For decades, because it lacked an on-water facility, the New York Yacht Club was usually a member’s second club; Huntington himself, who lives in New York, belongs to the Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, Conn. Now the NYYC has become the primary club for new members, who are continuing the annual tradition of sailing in the Newport-to-Bermuda regatta (2004 marked the event’s 150th anniversary) and the New York–to-Newport cruise. In May 2005, the club will host the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge, a race from New York Harbor to the English Channel that is open to single-hull sailboats 70 feet and longer.

Harbour Court also hosts the national championships of Optimist Prams, which are small boats used as training vessels for children as young as 3 years old. “You can’t imagine a bigger change for the New York Yacht Club than to have hundreds of 7- and 8-year-old Optimist sailors having a competition on its home dock,” says Huntington. “It’s terrific.”

Despite the changes to the club over the years, one element has remained constant: the power of the burgee, the flag with the blue background, red cross, and white star that only members can fly aboard their boats. The NYYC brand is so guarded that members are discouraged from even giving a hat sporting the burgee to a nonmember. The story goes that when a boat flying the club’s burgee approaches a marina anywhere in the world, the dockmaster will quickly find room for the vessel. “Members are proud to fly the burgee,” Huntington says with modesty. “How do others perceive them? I’ll leave that to them.”

Joining the Club

To become a member, a candidate must be nominated by an existing member. While ownership of a vessel is not required, a candidate must be familiar with boats and should have accomplished a significant achievement in boating. “You could be Tiger Woods and not be able to get in the New York Yacht Club if you hadn’t demonstrated anything other than being a gentleman and a super golfer,” says Commodore Lawrence Huntington. “There has to be an interest and an involvement in the sport; then the process is like any other association.”

Once an applicant has been nominated by a member, he or she meets with the membership committee. Upon approval of the application, a new member can attend a reception ceremony at either Harbour Court (in the spring) or 44th Street (in the fall). New members are traditionally given carnations to wear and are welcome to bring their families to the ceremony. The club does not disclose annual membership dues.

212.382.1000

www.nyyc.org

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Photos: Inside the Exclusive New York Yacht Club in NYC

Located on 37 West 44th Street, New York, NY, the New York City Yacht Club is a private social and yachting club founded by a prominent New Yorker named John Cox Stevens. Originated on July 30th, 1844, the original purpose of the club was simple: to race sailing yachts. Today, the club is composed of over 3,000 members dedicated to both yacht racing and design. As one of New York’s most elite social clubs, membership to the NYYC is very exclusive, which makes photos hard to come by, but we were able to get a look inside the stunning club.

The club was first started during an outing on Steven’s own yacht Gimcrack with eight friends. On that boat, anchored in New York Harbor, the group developed their idea to form the NYYC. They designated Stevens as commodore, and three days later, announced their launching of a yacht club cruise to Newport, Rhode Island: the beginning of the historical connection between these two cities. In 1845, the NYYC’s first clubhouse was built on land granted by Stevens in Hoboken, NJ, in close proximity to the Hudson River. Read more. 

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C lub Facilities

Our facilities are located at Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City. This location is easily reached by public transportation, ferries and car. Our land-based Clubhouse features a grass lawn and several decks where Members can relax on rocking chairs. If you live in an apartment, our Clubhouse will become your backyard and outdoor terrace.

Members love to relax at the Clubhouse and escape the bustle of city life. After races, teams gather around the BBQs and cook dinner. On weekends, Members enjoy the cushioned benches below the sun awning. The social connections and friends you make at the Manhattan Yacht Club will become an important part of your life.

“I wish to be a member for the sailing first and foremost. I intend to continue learning through sailing and eventually skipper boats recreationally. In addition to the on-water experience, I wish to join Manhattan Yacht Club for the social aspects off-water. I’ve recently moved to NYC and would love to engage with others who have shared interests.”    – Conner

We are an active Club and Members love sailing. From our Club’s beginning in 1987, we have maintained a fleet of J/24s which is available for all Members to use. You can sail at our Club without owning a boat. The Club currently keeps 13 white J/24s on floating docks in front of the Clubhouse. These boats are all professionally maintained to high standards. There are also an additional 10 red J/24s which are used for our sailing school.

“I have been to Manhattan Yacht Club on several occasions. All of my dealings with staff have been tremendous, courteous and extremely professional. The Manhattan Yacht Club has a prestigious reputation with a community/family feel with many activities and social connections. I want to expand my network of sailing enthusiasts whilst continuing my education through the school. I believe my membership with MYC would incredibly enrich my passion for sailing and it would be an honor to be a member.”    – Bonnie

In addition to the original shared-use fleet, Members are now adding private boats to the Club. These include cruising boats as well as the new fleet of International One Designs plus Sunfish dinghies.

Racing Programs

MYC is renowned for our racing programs. There are Member J/24 races on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and a corporate sailing league on Thursdays. The IOD fleet races on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

“MYC has a great reputation and I experienced some of it’s fantastic sailing community vibes. I would like to bring in my dedication and knowledge to this very special community.  I always try to keep the team together and am of course also keen to help setting up social events for the sailing community.”   – Anja

The Sunfish dinghies race on Saturday afternoons.

There is even an affiliated program which races historic America’s Cup 12 Meters. In winter, the Club organizes a Frostbite Series for Sunfish dinghies. Every few years, we organize the Lady Liberty Regatta and the International Yacht Club Challenge.

Cruising Programs

Each year, many new sailors join our Club with some of them coming from Manhattan Sailing School. After discovering the sport of sailing, people want to gain more experience. Our Club J/24s sail seven days a week from May until October. We have a very popular “Fleet Captain Program” where Skippers volunteer to take fellow Members sailing. This is a great way for new sailors to get involved in the Club, improve their skills and begin making sailing connections. There is also an active Day Sailing League.

“My experience at the sailing school reflected very positively on the club. The instructors themselves, the other MYC members and leadership who spoke on calls, and the members we ran into at the club over the weekend were all welcoming, encouraging, and friendly. This club feels like a great place to get back into sailing. I was also impressed by the club’s fleet of boats and the structured programs in place to grow sailing skills (my experience with the sailing school makes me excited to get sailing again in the fleet captain program).”    – Marc

Mentor Program

Our Club also has a strong educational philosophy. In addition to the Fleet Captain Program which turns novices into seasoned crew, we have a Mentor Program. This is where Club Skippers work with aspiring sailors to improve their skills with the goal of passing our Skipper Certification Test.

“I wish to be a member because I thoroughly enjoyed my time doing the weekend Basic Sailing course and learned a lot. I would like to continue to learn and improve my skills and I think the Manhattan Yacht Club is the best place to do that. I appreciate that you have a mentoring program where experienced sailors can impart their wisdom on newer sailors, and like that the club does multiple social events.”   – Nina

Honorable William Wall

Manhattan Yacht Club’s first major clubhouse is called the “Honorable William Wall” and it is anchored in the harbor near Ellis Island. This clubhouse serves as a spectator platform for the sailboat races and is open from Tuesday through Saturday. This clubhouse is affectionately known as the “Willy Wall” and features an open air bar on the upper deck. MYC Members receive 50% off all drinks at the Willie Wall, just show your membership card! This Clubhouse is also open to the public and used for corporate events. There is a $20 launch fee to reach the clubhouse and Members receive first option for signature events like the Full Moon Party. The Willy Wall is a super impressive place to entertain friends, family and co-workers, plus visitors from out of town.

“I wish to be a member of the Manhattan Yacht Club primarily to improve my sailing skills, and secondly to expand my social network of like-minded people. I was incredibly impressed by the welcoming nature of the members of the club and I’d like to get to know more members of the club.”    – Ian

Arabella is the Flagship of Manhattan Yacht Club. She is a 157-foot mega yacht which offers a luxurious atmosphere and a great place for high-end entertaining. Arabella is primarily used for private events and charters but she is also opened occasionally on an evening for Members. During the summer, Arabella also serves as the Club’s floating hotel. She will accompany the 12 Meter sailors to Newport for the World Championships. Next winter, Arabella will also travel to the Caribbean and Members can book a cabin onboard for a week of mega yachting.

“Growing up sailing was a great escape from the city and was an activity I really enjoyed. Once I started University, sailing became less of a priority and joining a club was difficult in my university. Now that I’ve moved to NYC and started a new job, having the opportunity to be out on the water and take a break from traditional city life, while meeting people who share an appreciation for sailing, would be wonderful.”   – Alexander

Member Community

Our community is an active, engaged and diverse group composed from all backgrounds. Our Members share a common passion for sailing. Almost all Members experience a significant increase in their recreational and social lives after joining Manhattan Yacht Club.

“I took my basic course with Parker, whose enthusiasm for sailing, and the club was so contagious! This seems exactly like the next step I need in order to learn, have fun, and make new friends.”   – Karen

Traveling With the Club

Sailing will take you around the world! Our Club usually organizes one or more international trips every year. In the winter, we organize “Caribbean Week” when Members fly to the Caribbean to sail in the sun for a week as part of a fun flotilla on chartered boats. In November, we head to Bermuda for a vacation and sailing on IODs. We send a team every two years to participate in Monaco Classic Week in September. We also send sailors to the 12 Meter Worlds in Newport RI.

“I really enjoyed my experience with the sailing course. I liked the people I met, the atmosphere of the club, and I’m excited about the events the club puts on. It seems like an excellent place to continue building my experience sailing. I am also excited about the global partnerships as I do like to travel.”   – Kristen

Other Social Events

Closer to home, our big annual social events are the Sailors Ball every April and the Annual Dinner every December. In between there are many gatherings at the Clubhouse, Full Moon Parties in the harbor plus BBQs almost every night during the sailing season.

“I live in Manhattan, and this seems like a great way for me to get more involved in sailing. I sailed my senior year of college, and I sailed J22s quite a bit last summer when I was living in Charleston. This club would be a great way for me to not only learn to race sailboats, but also to meet other individuals in the community who also enjoy sailing. After enrolling in the Manhattan sailing school, I think this would be a great segway into getting more active in the sailing community and growing my sailing knowledge and skillset.”    – Daniel

Dues & Initiation Fee

All Members begin by joining the Club as a Regular Member. This provides you with access to the Club community, facilities as well as the shared-use fleet of J/24s if you wish.

The initiation fee is $250. Regular dues are $1,700 per year and billed in quarterly installments. All dues and initiation fees are non-refundable once charged by the club.

Dues for your first year are pro-rated based on the sailing season. If you join from January through May, you pay normal dues. If you join in June, you pay 5/6 the annual dues. In July, you pay 4/6, August is 3/6, September is 2/6 and October is 1/6.

When viewing the graph below, please note that dues for 2024 remain the same as for 2023.

Juniors (25 and under) & Seniors (65 and older) also qualify for 50% off dues.

Members who wish to have Skipper Privileges on the Club fleet of J/24s pay an additional $800 per year. This allows you to reserve a boat and choose the friends you wish to take sailing.

Family Add-On

If you are married or have children under the age of 25, they are automatically granted non-sailing privileges under your membership. This means they can visit the Honorable William for Member Nights and take part in all club social events.  If your spouse and/or children under 25 also wish to be active sailing members and use the club boats and sailing programs like racing, fleet captain and mentoring, then there is a “Family Add-On” with dues of $425 per person per year (1/4 of the full regular dues).

“It’s a fantastic club at an amazing location, and everyone I’ve met so far has been so friendly and welcoming. With the opportunity to continue learning, and to hone my skills upon the most iconic waterway in the world, why wouldn’t I want to be a member?!”     – Edward

How To Join

It’s easy to join the Club. Just complete this on-line Membership Application & Agreement and specify the date you want your membership to begin and what Orientation Meeting you will attend.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the basic sailing course and I felt there is a great community and social side to MYC too as well as the opportunity to learn to sail. I was impressed by the number of programs and opportunities for new members to continue learning e.g. fleet captain program.”    – Lauren

If you have any questions about the club and how it works, or wish to see the facilities, please email  [email protected] before applying for membership. Once you are ready to join, complete the Membership Application & Agreement. Upon receipt, you will be charged the $250 initiation fee. This initiation fee is non-refundable in case you do not follow through with membership. Then once your membership begins, you can start sailing and hanging out at the club!

“I want to continue building on the basic sailing skills I learned with the Manhattan Sailing School, build my network and socialize with other members as I moved to New York last year. The events look like fun, and the Club is also easy to get to from Manhattan which is an added perk.”    – Stephanie

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