Message from the Commodore,

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

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

Our sailing venueis a shallow (2'-4' at low tide), tidal basin about 10 miles up river from Long Island Sound, a great venue for dinghy sailors of all levels. PYC's clubhouse sits on the western shore of the basin between Essex and Deep River. The channel for regular boat traffic on the Connecticut River runs about a quarter mile away along the eastern shore.

The Pettipaug Sailing Academy (PSA)for junior sailors aged 8 thru 18 runs week days, morning and afternoon, for two sessions from late June to early August. Open to the public and sanctioned by the US Sailing Association, PSA is host to about 100 junior sailors. ›› more info

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

PYC Racingis at the heart of PYC's inception in that racing cannot help but advance one's sailing skills. One-design races in centerboard dinghies – typically MC Scows, Blue Jays, 420 and Lasers – are held monthly for members. ›› more info

PYC Women's Sailing Groupmeets on Tuesday evenings and women sail their own boats or join a friend. A post-sail, pot-luck get together concludes each evening to wind down and share stories.

Pettipaug Scullersis a club within the club. It's members are hardy and dedicated to shell rowing getting on the water in the wee morning hours before wind and boat traffic disturb the river's calm. Several members compete in events nationally and some even worldwide. ›› more info

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 work requiring no special skills in fresh air and a magnificent setting. ›› more info

Here's to a great and safe 2022 season at Pettipaug.

Mischa van Berkel
PYC Commodore, 2022/23
commodore@pettipaug.org