Watch Hill Yacht Club

History of Watch Hill Yacht Club:

History of Watch Hill Yacht Club

Watch Hill Yacht Club was founded in 1913 by a group of local boaters who wanted to establish a club for sailing and social activities. The club's first clubhouse was a small building on the shore of Little Narragansett Bay, which was later replaced by a larger facility in 1921.

Over the years, the club has grown and expanded its facilities to accommodate more members and visitors. In the 1950s, a new clubhouse was built on the current site, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding area.

Today, Watch Hill Yacht Club is a thriving community of boaters and sailing enthusiasts. The club hosts a variety of regattas and sailing events throughout the year, as well as social gatherings and other activities for members and guests.

Some notable events in the history of Watch Hill Yacht Club include:

• In 1923, the club hosted the first-ever Watch Hill Cup, a sailing race that has become a tradition at the club.
• In 1938, the club's original clubhouse was destroyed by a hurricane, but members quickly rebuilt a new facility in its place.
• In 1955, the club hosted the International One-Design World Championship, which attracted sailors from around the world.
• In 2013, the club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a variety of special events and activities.

Overall, Watch Hill Yacht Club has a rich history and continues to be a popular destination for boaters and visitors alike.

Location and Accessibility

Watch Hill Yacht Club is located in the charming coastal town of Stonington, Connecticut. The marina is situated on the western side of the Watch Hill peninsula, providing boaters with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

The yacht club is easily accessible by land or sea. By car, visitors can take Interstate 95 to exit 91 and follow Route 234 to the marina. Boaters can navigate through the Watch Hill Passage and follow the marked channel to the marina. The marina offers ample parking for cars and trailers, as well as dockage for boats up to 60 feet in length.

In addition to its convenient location, Watch Hill Yacht Club offers a variety of amenities for boaters. The marina features a fuel dock, pump-out station, and a ship's store stocked with boating essentials. Boaters can also take advantage of the on-site restaurant and bar, which offers delicious food and drinks in a relaxed, waterfront setting.

Overall, Watch Hill Yacht Club is a premier marina in the Northeast, offering boaters a convenient location, top-notch amenities, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Facilities and Amenities

Docking and Marina Services

Watch Hill Yacht Club is a full-service marina offering a variety of docking options for boats of all sizes. The marina has 160 slips, which can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length. The slips are equipped with water, electricity, and high-speed internet access. The marina also has a fuel dock that provides both gasoline and diesel fuel.

For boaters in need of repairs or maintenance services, the marina has a full-service boatyard with a 50-ton travel lift and experienced technicians who can handle all types of repairs and maintenance tasks.

Clubhouse and Dining Options

The clubhouse at Watch Hill Yacht Club is a beautiful facility that offers a range of amenities to members and guests. The clubhouse features a dining room with stunning views of the marina and the surrounding coastline. The dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, as well as other classic American fare.

In addition to the dining room, the clubhouse has a bar and lounge area where members can relax and socialize. The bar serves a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails, and there are several large-screen TVs for watching sports and other events.

Recreational Activities

Watch Hill Yacht Club offers a wide range of recreational activities for members and guests. The marina has a swimming pool that overlooks the harbor, as well as a tennis court and a fitness center. The club also offers sailing lessons and regattas for members who want to improve their skills or compete in races.

For those who prefer to explore the surrounding area, the club has bicycles available for rent, and there are several hiking and biking trails nearby. The club also organizes group outings to local attractions, such as museums, wineries, and historical sites.

Membership Information

Watch Hill Yacht Club is a private club located in Stonington, Connecticut. The club offers a range of membership options to suit different needs and preferences.

The club has several types of memberships, including Regular, Junior, Social, and Non-Resident. Regular memberships are available to those who own boats and are interested in participating in the club's boating activities. Junior memberships are available to individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. Social memberships are available to those who do not own boats but would like to participate in the club's social events. Non-Resident memberships are available to those who live more than 50 miles away from the club.

To become a member of the Watch Hill Yacht Club, applicants must be sponsored by two current members in good standing. The club's membership committee reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the board of directors. Applicants are required to complete an application form and provide references.

Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership. Regular memberships have the highest fees, followed by Junior memberships. Social and Non-Resident memberships have lower fees. Members are also required to pay annual dues, which cover the cost of maintaining the club's facilities and organizing events.

Overall, Watch Hill Yacht Club offers a range of membership options to suit different needs and preferences. The club has a rigorous application process and requires applicants to be sponsored by current members. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership, and members are required to pay annual dues to support the club's activities.

Watch Hill Yacht Club

Watch Hill Yacht Club is a marina located in Stonington, Connecticut. It is a popular destination for boaters and sailing enthusiasts who are looking for a place to dock their boats or participate in various events and regattas.

Events and Regattas

Watch Hill Yacht Club hosts a variety of events and regattas throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Annual Events

• Opening Day: This event marks the beginning of the boating season at Watch Hill Yacht Club. It features a parade of boats, a flag-raising ceremony, and a reception.
• Independence Day Celebration: This event is held on July 4th and features a boat parade, a barbecue, and fireworks.
• Labor Day Regatta: This regatta is held over the Labor Day weekend and features various races for different classes of boats.

Racing Events

• Wednesday Night Racing: This weekly event is held on Wednesday evenings during the summer months. It is open to all members of Watch Hill Yacht Club and features different courses each week.
• Watch Hill Yacht Club Regatta: This regatta is held annually and attracts sailors from all over the region. It features various races for different classes of boats and is a highlight of the sailing season.

Overall, Watch Hill Yacht Club is a great place to visit for boaters and sailing enthusiasts. With its beautiful location, friendly staff, and exciting events and regattas, it is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

Community Involvement

Watch Hill Yacht Club is a marina in Stonington, Connecticut, that is actively involved in the community. The club supports various local organizations and initiatives through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer work.

One of the main organizations that the club supports is the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program. The program provides sailing lessons and education to children in the community, and Watch Hill Yacht Club has contributed to the program's success through financial donations and volunteer work.

In addition to supporting the Junior Sailing Program, Watch Hill Yacht Club also participates in various local events and initiatives. The club has sponsored local regattas and races, and has also provided support to local environmental organizations.

Watch Hill Yacht Club is committed to being an active and engaged member of the Stonington community. The club's involvement in local organizations and initiatives demonstrates its dedication to making a positive impact in the community.

Watch Hill Yacht Club is a marina located in Stonington, Connecticut. The marina offers a variety of services to its members, including boat storage, maintenance, and repair. Additionally, the marina has a clubhouse with dining facilities, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.

Environmental Practices

Watch Hill Yacht Club is committed to protecting the environment and reducing its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The marina has implemented several environmental practices to achieve this goal, including:

• Waste Reduction: The marina has implemented a recycling program to reduce the amount of waste generated by the facility. Additionally, the marina encourages its members to use reusable containers and bags to reduce the amount of single-use plastics.

• Water Conservation: Watch Hill Yacht Club has implemented several water conservation measures to reduce the amount of water used by the facility. These measures include low-flow toilets and faucets, as well as a rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores rainwater for irrigation purposes.

• Energy Efficiency: The marina has implemented several energy-efficient measures to reduce its energy consumption. These measures include LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and a solar panel system that generates electricity for the facility.

• Environmental Education: Watch Hill Yacht Club offers educational programs and resources to its members to promote environmental awareness and conservation. These programs include seminars on sustainable boating practices and educational materials on local wildlife and ecosystems.

Overall, Watch Hill Yacht Club is committed to protecting the environment and reducing its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The marina has implemented several environmental practices to achieve this goal, and it continues to educate its members on the importance of environmental conservation.