Commodore's Welcome

Greetings members and visitors to PYC's new website and to the wonderful world of dinghy sailing, shell rowing and all things outdoors on the Connecticut River in Essex, Conn.

PYC is a seasonal yacht club beginning its "commissioned" year in May and ending in September. The club offers its members access to a special spot on the river across from Joshua's Rock, Brockway Island, Hamburg Cove and Selden's Creek.

Our sailing venue is a shallow (2'-4' at low tide), tidal basin about 10 miles up river from Long Island Sound. PYC sits on the western shore of the basin between Essex and Deep River. The channel for "big boat" traffic runs about a quarter mile away along the eastern shore. (The wake from these boats makes for some interesting sailing.)

The Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA) for junior sailors aged 8 to 18 runs week days, morning and afternoon for two sessions from late June to late August. Open to the public and sanctioned by the US Sailing Association, PSA is limited to about 150 junior sailors on a first come, first served basis. ›› more info

PYC Powerboat Course, which is also offered to the public, is a one-day class for up to ten students and held several times during the summer. Students operate several different types of outboard motorboats for real hands-on learning. ›› more info

PYC Racing is at the heart of PYC's inception in that racing cannot help but advance one's sailing skills. One-class races in centerboard dinghies (typically Blue Jays and Lasers) are held monthly for members. ›› more info

Picnics & Parties (for members only) – PYC hosts four parties during the year:
• Annual Eagle Watch – Feb. 20, 2010
• Commissioning – May 16, 2010
• Mid-Summer Party – July 17, 2010
• De-Commissioning – Sept. 25, 2010
• Annual Dinner & Awards – Nov. 7, 2010

Reserving the club for private parties for 12 to 75 people is available for a modest donation. ›› more info

PYC Work Parties are the neccesary sacrifice of time and labor we give to the club to keep it "shipshape" and the dues low. They're held four times – twice in the spring and fall, respectively. Please mark your calendar and help out if you can. It's good, honest work in a magnificent setting. ›› more info

Membership – for those interested, please download and follow precisely our application guidelines. ›› more info

Here's to a great and safe 2010 season at Pettipaug.

Cameron C. Taylor
PYC Commodore, 2010-11