RRYC History

RRYC was founded in 1936 in Irvington, Virginia, to serve the interests of local pleasure boat owners. Together the first members acquired the present property  on Carter's Creek off the Rappahannock River, just down King Carter Drive  from Tide's Inn.

In those early days, annual regattas featured races for both power and sail  boats. By the end of World War II, however, one-design sailboat racing began to predominate regattas. Hamptons, Snipes, Penguins, and Moths were  especially popular.

In 1941, a new structure was built, which forms the main portion of the present clubhouse. As interest in yachting declined in the 1950s, membership languished and the property was acquired for commercial use as a resort and marina. RRYC members continued to meet in the clubhouse they had built, however.

The club was reorganized in 1970 and was able to lease the clubhouse and grounds the following year. By 1976, the membership reclaimed ownership of the property.  The next few years saw upgrades to the pier and slips as well as the construction  of the swimming pool that serves the club today. RRYC hired its first year-round Manager/Steward.
                        

By 1983, establishment of the Rappahannock River Sailing Association and the  first Rappahannock Cup races sealed the prominence of sailing on the  Rappahannock River and its creeks.  Since then, RRYC has maintained a strong  racing program and an active cruising schedule. On-the-water training classes are taught in summers for adults and juniors.  One-design races are contested in Flying Scot, Optimist, Laser, Sunfish, and Typhoon classes.  Four Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association sanctioned regattas are held each year for boats registered in the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet.

Click on the CRUISING or RACING tabs at left for more information on these programs.

RRYC has reciprocal privileges with all members published in the Yachting Club of America Register of American Yacht Clubs. The clubs are located throughout North America.

Our Headway newsletter brings news to the members every month.