boatingonthehudson.com HOLIDAY 2013
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our infant son’s car seat into our
little boat, and sail around the Tap-
pan Zee.
Why is it a boat club and not a
yacht club? Nyack Boat Club_
Do-It-Yourself Nyack Boat Club was
originally formed as a “do-it-your-
self” boat club where members
built and maintained the facilities
to keep the cost of membership
affordable. Being a “do-it-yourself”
club continues to be an important
part of our identity.We think we’re
the best sailing club on the Hudson
but we’re resolutely a “boat club”
not a “yacht club”.
In addition to the “do-it-your-
self” ethos, the members see that
their fellow members get the
support they need to sail well and
maintain their boats effectively. Ad-
ditionally, we have an exceptionally
strong sailing program for children.
How did Hurricane Sandy impact
the club?
The winds, surge, storm-driven
waves, and battering by storm-
driven debris damaged the club-
house, floating docks, piers, pilings,
bulkheads, a fixed crane, hoisting
machinery, electrical distribution
equipment, club boats, pavement,
and outdoor stairs and rails.We
have restored most of the dam-
aged facilities – making them more
storm resistant when practical.
Additionally, members lost boats
at the Club and at boatyards where
they had stored their boats for
the winter. The physical repair is
almost completed and we’re on our
way back financially. Some mem-
bers have left, creating opportuni-
ties for others to join.
History and Mission
The Nyack Boat Club was founded
on September 10, 1909. The origi-
nal clubhouse was destroyed by
fire on August 6, 1916. The cur-
rent clubhouse on Gedney Street,
depicted in this week’s sketch, was
acquired on September 16, 1916.
The mission of the club is to en-
courage and support yachting and
yacht racing on the Hudson River
and surrounding waters, good
seamanship and navigation, and
to provide for the recreation and
enjoyment of its members.
Summer Sailing Camp
The Nyack Boat Club has a very
successful junior sailing program
that is primarily for family and
friends of Nyack Boat Club mem-
bers, but is also open to the public.
There are two four-week sessions
over the summer, generally begin-
ning the last week of June and the
last week of July.
Registration begins in January.
Space is limited so register early.
All hands on deck
During racing season, many
boats seek crew members. Rac-
ing experience is useful, but the
uninitiated, who want to learn more
about sailing, can also be accom-
modated.
To learn more about sailing
camp or crewing visit nyackboat-
club.org
What is the work of the club in
the winter?
Activities at the Club definitely
slow in the winter but we have
about 40 educational or social pro-
grams November through Febru-
ary. Additionally we use the hiatus
to repaint and freshen the interior
Nyack Boat Club. Hurricane Sandy damage to Clubhouse.
Kieran Quinn & Robin Brown
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