About
RYC is home to over 400 active members, including a current world sailing vice president, as well as national and world-ranked sailors, a leading competitor in Paralympic sailing, Junior Olympic medalists and hopefuls, and outstanding boaters of all types, from infants to 100+. As a private, not-for-profit, member-owned club, our shared love of the water creates a lifetime of fun experiences, cherished memories and friendships.
Founded in 1877, we are one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the United States. Part of our rich history and enduring legacy, our members and their guests are invited to participate in a variety of on-water racing events, boating activities and educational programs. We are proud to be recognized by US Sailing for our commitment to hosting world-class regattas including one of our signature events, the US Sailing Junior Olympics.
Our dedication and commitment to growing the next generation of boaters of all ages has earned our programs recognition as a leader in both sailing and powerboat education and as the largest junior sailing program in upstate New York.
Our Clubhouse offers a robust year-round calendar of social events and activities that bring our members and their guests together creating lifetime traditions and memories. Our long standing, annual events include the Commodore’s Ball, Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Holiday Ball, Memorial Day, Basin Fest, Father’s Day breakfast and Mother’s Day brunch. We also host a variety of fun nights such as trivia night, Murder Mystery Night, Frank Sinatra Night, and Hawaiian Night.
Additionally, in conjunction with our staff, we have numerous committees that coordinate a variety of social events, educational programs, seminars, holiday festivities, boating excursions, and happy-hour gatherings. From dock parties to gatherings on the patio & burgee bar, to elegant wine-tastings, our members always have a reason to celebrate their membership.
With so many events and activities both on and off the water each year, we offer countless opportunities for our members to be involved and share their passion for the water. Visit our membership page to learn more about joining and the benefits of membership!
Our Purpose
Embracing our rich history of sailing and yacht traditions while at the same time broadening our appeal to individuals and families who desire to enjoy life in, on, and around the water in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Programs
Interested in learning how to sail or safe boat handling? Our educational programs offer opportunities for all ages and experience levels. Our curriculum encompasses the various parts of a boat, sailing terminology, boating safety as well as the opportunity to try out different crew positions onboard one of our Club owned boats, so you will feel comfortable in any position on the boat . For your more advanced sailors, we offer numerous opportunities to further develop their racing techniques and strategies.
Membership is not required in order to participate in our educational programs, however, our members receive discounted pricing and the ability to reserve and use Club boats after the completion of classes.
Adult Sailing Instruction
These courses introduce you to the life-long joys of sailing. We invite you to sample our hospitality, learn more about sailing, our facilities here at RYC and our family-oriented membership.
Junior Sailing Instruction
Rochester Yacht Club offers year round junior sailing instruction for ages 6 to 18 years old, from beginners to advanced racers.
Spring & Fall Sailing
During the fall and spring we offer a variety of programs for sailors ages 9-18. All programs are open to the public.
Swimming Instruction
RYC offers a very professional & fun swim instruction program. Instructors are fully trained through American Red Cross. Sign-up is by session only and lessons are in 30 minute time blocks.
Leadership
Flag Officers
Jack DePeters, Commodore
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Kimberly Ganley, Vice Commodore
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Peter Pape, Rear Commodore
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Peter Mendick, Past Commodore
Jean Close, Treasurer
Ben Koert, Recording Secretary
Linda Bowen, Corresponding Secretary
Board of Directors
2025 - 2026 Directors
Lindsay Crane
Chris Goldsmith
Joseph Steo
2026 - 2027 Directors
Tim Breen
Michael Bruno
Meghan Herbert
Women's Association
RYC Women’s Association (RYCWA) is deep in the rich tradition of our club. Formed in 1952, RYCWA began with the purpose of providing activities for the children at RYC. Over the years, this has expanded to include a number of annual activities for all our members.
Our signature events include the Easter Bunny Egg Hunt, Annual Fashion Show, Bus Trip to the Shaw Festival, Halloween Carnival, Girls Night Out, Breakfast with Santa and the Holiday Bazaar.
Slate of Officers Executive Committee
President – Lisa Dorsey
Vice President – Jennifer Altobelli
Past President – Veronica Lyons
Treasurer – Linda Webb
Secretary – Laura Bruno
Publicity – Beverly Howe
Club History
In the spring of 1877, an active group of local boaters formed the Rochester Yacht Club – one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States – with the purpose of promoting, educating and celebrating life on the water. Along the way, our members have mapped out a course enabling us to prevail the uncharted rough waters of wars, pandemics, and economic storms.
