The Washington Yacht Club (WYC) was founded in 1910 by a group of white Washingtonian boaters, looking to establish affordable facilities along the Anacostia River in proximity to their homes on the east side of the river. Unlike some extant clubs, members of the WYC were solely devoted to motorized boating, rather than sailing or rowing, which were immensely popular at the time. At a time when motorboating was a pastime of the wealthy, the founders and subsequent members of the Washington Yacht Club were proudly working class. Early members included mechanics, clerks, a carpenter, and a boat livery operator. Club members built their own boats by hand and constructed all their own facilities, rarely if ever contracting out work. They have maintained this tradition, contributing to the upkeep of buildings and grounds through mandatory work parties.
The club’s first location was at the foot of Naylor Road SE, where members leased a site for docks from DC in 1910 through 1915. Due to the ongoing reclamation of the Anacostia Flats, the club was forced to relocate to about one hundred feet west of the Pennsylvania Avenue bridge pier. It was here that the members built their clubhouse, a twenty by thirty-foot frame building, which forms the center portion of today’s WYC clubhouse. In 1925, the club was again required to relocate, this time to its current site on the west bank of the Anacostia. The WYC towed the clubhouse across the river on a scow and immediately set about constructing piers to provide a water approach to their club. The clubhouse was expanded to the rear in 1929 to provide a room for a steward and in 1930 with restrooms and a galley.
The WYC has remained committed to its place on the Anacostia despite the city’s near abandonment of the river. Over the twentieth century, the Anacostia became one of the most polluted rivers in the nation. At the same time, it became a symbol of the city’s racial and economic divide. The exodus of African American residents to the east side of the river, necessitated through planning decisions, urban renewal, race restrictive covenants, and other policies, rendered the Anacostia a physical boundary between Blacks and whites, rich and poor. These changes left the Washington Yacht Club on the borderline of the District’s division, where it exemplified the issues of a segregated city.
The WYC admitted its first member of color in the 1970s, after which membership at the club dropped precipitously. White members who did not wish to be associated with African Americans or the suffering Anacostia River left to join other clubs. Turnover in membership to predominantly African Americans only reinforced the racial and economic divide symbolized by the Anacostia. Despite periodic drops in membership, difficult times during several wars, an energy crisis that severely impacted the boating community, and a river burdened with environmental and social issues, the WYC remains on Boathouse Row, serving as a steward of the Anacostia, and proudly welcoming all. DC Inventory: April 30, 2020 National Register: October 2, 2020
For more than 75 years, students at the University of Washington in Seattle have had access to the Washington Yacht Club, a nonprofit that teaches and promotes sailing in a “safe, inclusive, accessible, and affordable way.” For a mere $39 per quarter (not including the cost of tuition), student yacht club members had access to boats, lessons, and rentals, according to the Seattle Times . With plans to renovate its historic waterfront now in motion, the University of Washington, or UW — a school made famous recently by the book and movie The Boys in the Boat — may permanently shut down the student-run club.
The story of the Washington Yacht Club has echoes in several corners of the West Coast waterfront: aging docks and infrastructure nearing (or past) the end of their useful lives and needing to be replaced, competing visions for the shoreline, and apparent ill will during the planning process.
“As of July 2024, we will no longer be allowed to have space at the student-funded waterfront, ending the long tradition of students sailing on the UW campus,” the Washington Yacht Club said on their website . “The announcement followed a multi-year-long project plan to remove most of the docks for student use at the waterfront. UW Recreation never consulted student organizations during the planning and has yet to show a good-faith effort to accommodate the club despite over 600 public comments submitted to the city opposing the master use permit.”
The Washington Yacht Club (WYC) currently stores its fleet of 70 boats, including dinghies, keelboats and high-performance catamarans, at the docks near Husky Stadium on the east side of campus, according to the Seattle Times , adding that dock space would be dramatically reduced — or effectively eliminated — following a $2.54-million renovation project. “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.”
“Since the current renovation plans were drafted behind the backs of critical stakeholders, it should come as no surprise that they don’t take into account the dock’s current usage and threaten to disrupt student access to sailing at UW,” WYC said on their website. “The current proposal entails the removal, without replacement, of critical facilities … effectively terminating the club’s small boat sailing program — a staple in its offerings for both beginning and advanced sailors.” WYC said the current plans would also diminish the club’s keelboat fleet, “limiting access to larger boats, which are essential for training students to sail the Puget Sound.
“What’s more, the proposed dock extension … creates a new navigational hazard due to its placement in the only safe channel for navigation from the waterfront to Lake Washington.”
WYC said they’re seeking a statement of support from the university administration affirming WYC’s “essential offerings will not be eliminated from the campus waterfront … in keeping with the intended function of the facility’s establishment;” a halt of the East Campus Dock construction process until plans include input of student stakeholders; and the establishment of a waterfront oversight group that includes students to give voice to their interests. “Given the history outlined above and current plan of prioritizing commercial activities, we do not trust UW Recreation to advocate for student interests,” WYC said.
Renee Chien, an international student from Taiwan and current rear commodore of WYC, told KOMO News: “It was really because of sailing and because of my access to the water and this newfound connection that I have with the Puget Sound that I feel like I would like to stay here to keep sailing and keep building the community here.”
“Money doesn’t talk it swears “ Bob Dylan 1964
Sounds like the same issue Cal Sailing had with the City of Berkeley Marina where they wanted to take wet slips away from Cal Sailing, even though the marina is not near capacity. Make a fuss, be a pain, maybe things will change.
WYC is facing the Athletic Department juggernaut (which is strategically welding soft powder behind the scenes) which really likes to take over the waterfront a few times in the fall so people can raft up for football games.
Operating as a 501(c)3 nonprofit on campus which is not governed by the university powers that be adds an additional layer of complications for WYC which hasn’t won allies on campus by having existed for several decades before the creation of UW bureaucracy like the Student Activities Office and the Recreational Sports Department.
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Select your rating Overall rating "I don't own a boat, but I have friends with boats which anyone can tell you is a lot better." Liz Mumford And my friends belong to the WYC one of four historic yacht clubs on the Anacostia. WYC is not the shiniest or newest of yacht clubs but they're the most inviting, knowledgeable and caring. I'm always welcomed with a smile, greetings and any assistance when visiting. So many of the owners there will quickly open their boats to strangers visiting for other reasons. WYC facilities are also leased all year long for parties and events indoor and out. The rates are very favorable to club members and their friends. Such a great historical piece to the city! 2.1 miles away from Washington Yacht Club We Offer A Safe, Fun And Eco-Friendly Way To Enjoy The Beautiful Waterways At The Wharf, DC read more Grand Canyon Expeditions M M. said "I just had to counter the one star rating that Randy gave this company. My husband and I went on the seven day rafting trip last year. We saved for five years to afford the trip, and we do not regret ONE penny we spent. This Trip…" read more in Tours, Rafting/kayaking People Also ViewedTidal Basin Paddle Boats Mariner Sailing School Thompson Boat Center Capital Yacht Club Belle Haven Marina Potomac Boat Club Diamond Teague Park Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse Chesapeake Yacht Club Fletcher’s Boat House Best of WashingtonThings to do in Washington People found Washington Yacht Club by searching for…Party Boat Washington, DC Yacht Clubs Washington, DC Browse NearbyThings to Do Campgrounds Other Boating NearbyFind more Boating near Washington Yacht Club
UW dock renovations pose threat to 75-year sailing tradition, yacht club students sayS tudents in the Washington Yacht Club (WYC) accuse the University of Washington (UW) of working to stop a 75-year history of teaching students to sail. Those students told KOMO News that the UW’s plans to renovate the docks near Husky Stadium will eliminate the docks they use to store their 70 boats, thus taking away their ability to teach students to sail. “It would really mean, like a death blow to the community,” said Renee Chien, the current Rear Commodore of WYC. The U.W. has plans to repair and remove docks. The total dock space will be reduced by 4,000 square feet. “And the university has actually given us a statement as of March that we will no longer be able to keep beyond one boat on the dock,” said Chien. UW told KOMO News that the club only needs to move some of the club's boats short term. “We have up to 75 boats. We’ve got everything from sailboats up to a 44-foot ocean-going vessel and everything in between,” said William Rae, another member of WYC. Once the renovation is completed in 2025, the university told KOMO that UW recreation will no longer maintain dock storage space, so the WYC and the Union Bay Rowing Club would each be able to maintain just one boat at the dock. “It would mean the loss of something that I have poured my heart and soul into,” said Chien. “And I feel like that is the case for most people that I work with in the WYC, who like are united by their common love of sailing.” Chien told KOMO she just joined the WYC in November, to learn to sail and loves it so much, she’s already been out sailing 22 of the past 23 days. “I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan and as an international student, I wouldn’t have felt like my roots were planted firmly anywhere. I thought maybe I would stay in Seattle maybe I wouldn’t, but I didn’t feel attached and it was really because of sailing and because of my access to the water and this newfound connection that I have with the Puget Sound that I feel like I would like to stay here to keep sailing and keep building the community here,” explained Chien. Perhaps the best part of getting out on one of the 70 boats to learn to sail, is the price. Students pay just $39 per quarter. “And if we lose that that’s a huge loss to people being able to enter into a sport that traditionally has such a high barrier,” said Rae. Sailing lessons in Seattle cost several hundred dollars a month. “We’re pretty unique, definitely in the Pacific Northwest, and really for student-run organizations we believe we're unique in the country,” said Rae. UW's tradition of sailgating right outside Husky Stadium is another unique Pacific Northwest tradition and some accuse the University of putting profits from events like this over student benefit. The renovation plan calls for adding new docks for large sailgating boats plus greater access for students and the public to rent kayaks and canoes. “And we just want to emphasize that kayak rentals are $19 per hour our quarterly membership is $39 a quarter,” said Chien. UW told KOMO that they are prioritizing Rec Clubs with the new waterfront plan, to expand student participation. Construction on the docks and beach at the UW is scheduled to start in January and UW told KOMO that they are still working with the WYC through this process. Checkout FormsBoats actively checked out.
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Washington Yacht Club (WYC) The Washington Yacht Club is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, student-run club working to provide sailing facilities, mentorship, and community for the University of Washington since 1948. We are located at the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) on the southeast corner of the UW Seattle Campus near ...
In 1955, the Washington Yacht Club (WYC) sought to expand the sailboat fleet to meet student demand to participate in inter-club and intercollegiate sailboat racing. WYC received a loan of $3,300 from ASUW to purchase six. As is tradition, the club once again held an all-University contest to find the best names for each boat.
Ithaka (a Swan 441) is the Washington Yacht Club's flagship keelboat and was added to our fleet after a generous donation. T his boat will be used to teach members on how to sail a 44′ keelboat. With a displacement of 24,700 pounds, she is the largest keelboat the club has ever had access to and easily berths ten people.
Washington Yacht Club (WYC) - UW's Sailing Club, Seattle, Washington. 820 likes · 3 talking about this. The Washington Yacht Club is a student-run sailing club on the University of Washington's campus
Feb 6, 2024. #1. The Washington Yacht Club (WYC) is a non-profit student run club at the University of Washington in Seattle. It is located on campus and it appears the UW is proposing redevelopment seemingly focused on $$$ Yachts paying big bucks for football moorage a few times a year. The WYC is great at introducing students to sailing in a ...
WYC Cruise and Social Calendar. The Washington Yacht Club is an active social organization within WYCC promoting good seamanship and safe boating. For any questions, if more information needed or you would like to help out at any of our events contact Earnie Glover at (252) 402-5153. 2024 Land Event Schedule
The Washington Yacht Club is a motorboating club on the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Established in 1910 as an all-white organization, the club was integrated in the 1970s, prompting a turnover to predominantly African American membership. ... WYC was located at the bottom of Naylor Road SE from its founding until 1915, then relocated to ...
Using wyc_info. To post a message to all the list members, send email to [email protected] . You can subscribe to the list, or change your existing subscription, in the sections below. Subscribing to wyc_info. Subscribe to wyc_info by filling out the following form. You will be sent email requesting confirmation, to prevent others from ...
The Washington Yacht Club (WYC) was founded in 1910 by a group of white Washingtonian boaters, looking to establish affordable facilities along the Anacostia River in proximity to their homes on the east side of the river. Unlike some extant clubs, members of the WYC were solely devoted to motorized boating, rather than sailing or rowing, which were immensely popular at the time.
16) Battens - Hard sticks sewn into the sail to help the sail keep a nice shape 17) Hull - The body of the boat. It is typically made of fiberglass. 18) Forestay - A metal wire that attaches to the front of the boat. It helps keep the mast upright. 19) Shroud - A metal wire that attaches to the side of the boat. It helps to keep the mast upright. 20) Main Head - The top part of the ...
The Washington Yacht Club (WYC) currently stores its fleet of 70 boats, including dinghies, keelboats and high-performance catamarans, at the docks near Husky Stadium on the east side of campus, according to the Seattle Times, adding that dock space would be dramatically reduced — or effectively eliminated — following a $2.54-million ...
The Washington Yacht Club welcomes you! We aim to bring University of Washington students into the beautiful sport and culture of sailing. ... To post a message to all the list members, send email to [email protected]. You can subscribe to the list, or change your existing subscription, in the sections below. Subscribing to wyc_exec ...
1 review and 7 photos of WASHINGTON YACHT CLUB ""I don't own a boat, but I have friends with boats which anyone can tell you is a lot better." Liz Mumford And my friends belong to the WYC one of four historic yacht clubs on the Anacostia. WYC is not the shiniest or newest of yacht clubs but they're the most inviting, knowledgeable and caring.
--Use this sign-up if you want to ride a keelboat from the WAC. Please plan on sailing back to the WAC to help de-rig. Meet at the WAC at 4:30pm, depart at 5pm, visit MOHAI 6-8pm, return to WAC at 9pm -- Please join the WYC at the Museum of History and Industry for First Thursday, a monthly free admission event at museums across Seattle!
This will destroy our club's operations and other student-run activities. Since 1948, the student-run sailing club, Washington Yacht Club (WYC), has introduced over 45,000 diverse students to affordable sailing at UW. We need help to preserve and restore access and space for student-run waterfront activities.
WYC Membership Form. Sign up for an annual or quarterly membership with the Washington Yacht Club. WYC memberships are $39 per quarter or $100 annually for students and $80 per quarter or $225 annually for non-students. UW Recreation Department is requiring that all WYC members hold an IMA membership (now known as Rec membership) in addition to ...
Washington Yacht Club Keelboat availability Use this system to check boat availability at the Washington Yacht Club. Login: WYC Number: Password: Online Usage Instructions. This link provides a walk through of viewing reservations and making your own. Get a new password. Use this if you don't have a password, or forgot it and need it reset.
Students in the Washington Yacht Club (WYC) accuse the University of Washington (UW) of working to stop a 75-year history of teaching students to sail. Those students told KOMO News that the UW ...
Member Name Boat Destination Return Time; Jeffrey Carey : Hobie Bravo : Union Bay : 19:55 (15 Aug) Kristin Follmer : Laser : Union Bay : 20:04 (15 Aug) Kristin Follmer
Your WYC number serves as your username. Without the number, our registration systems don't know who you are and cannot access information about your account. Please contact an officer on discord or email [email protected] they should be able to retrieve your membership number for you.
WYC Database Login. WYC Number. Password. Forgot your password? Need a password? Click here and we will send you a password via email!
By signing it, you are agreeing to (among other things) assume risks, release claims, waive rights, and indemnify Washington Yacht Club ("WYC") from harm. I desire to participate in activities organized by WYC and/or make use of equipment which may be owned by WYC. In consideration of being permitted to participate in WYC activities and/or ...
WYC Membership Form. Sign up for an annual or quarterly membership with the Washington Yacht Club. WYC memberships are $39 per quarter or $100 annually for students and $80 per quarter or $225 annually for non-students. If you graduated, you do not count as as student.