National Sailing Hall of Fame

Lewes Yacht Club

lewes yacht club newport

Stories from the Lewes Yacht Club

Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar Street P.O. Box 2 Lewes, DE 19958-0002

(302) 645-8596

Website: http://www.lewesyc.com/

The Lewes Yacht Club (LYC) was founded in 1932 to encourage water sports, boating, casual sailing, and promote racing competition. The Club is enriched by its history and traditions, yet has a casual and relaxed atmosphere. LYC is situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. The Club hosts Sunday races in everything from Sunfish and Mobjacks to Open Bics, Zumas and Optis for junior racers. They also co-host the Annual Cape-to-Cape Challenge Race, between LYC and the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May, NJ.

LEWES YACHT CLUB BECOMES NSHOF FOUNDING MEMBER

From the commodore:.

“We are extremely pleased to have been able to participate with and join the National Sailing Hall of Fame as a Founding Member. The members and friends of sailing at LYC rallied to raise the donations privately, but it was a Club-wide Campaign with Club-wide support! We feel that this effort in supporting the NSHOF has strengthened the Lewes Yacht Club and sailing in general. We look forward to a lasting relationship with the NHSOF to the benefit of all those with sailing in their blood!! We strongly encourage that all yacht clubs undertake a similar campaign--- it was “win-win” for us.”

Bob Edelen, Commodore

Lewes YC clubhouse - 1938

BACK TO YACHT CLUB STORIES PAGE

lewes yacht club newport

  • Yacht Clubs

Lewes Yacht Club

lewesyc.com

2701 Cedar Street

Lewes , DE 19958

(302) 645-8596

lewes yacht club newport

The Lewes Yacht Club (LYC) was founded in 1932 to encourage water sports, boating, casual sailing, and promote racing competition. The Club is enriched by its history and traditions, yet has a casual and relaxed atmosphere. LYC is situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. The Club hosts Sunday races in everything from Sunfish and Mobjacks to Open Bics, Zumas and Optis for junior racers. They also co-host the Annual Cape-to-Cape Challenge Race, between LYC and the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May, NJ.

From the Commodore:

“We are extremely pleased to have been able to participate with and join the National Sailing Hall of Fame as a Founding Member. The members and friends of sailing at LYC rallied to raise the donations privately, but it was a Club-wide Campaign with Club-wide support! We feel that this effort in supporting the NSHOF has strengthened the Lewes Yacht Club and sailing in general. We look forward to a lasting relationship with the NHSOF to the benefit of all those with sailing in their blood!! We strongly encourage that all yacht clubs undertake a similar campaign— it was “win-win” for us.”

Bob Edelen, Commodore

Lewes YC clubhouse - 1938

Quick Links

Getting Here

lewes yacht club newport

The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame

365 Thames Street

Newport, RI 02840

401.324.5761

[email protected]

Museum will be closed on Saturday, March 16

The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame will be closed on Saturday, March 16. We will resume normal hours on Sunday, March 17. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

lewes yacht club newport

Lewes Yacht Club logo

Sailing School

Click here for 2024 sailing school registration..

Email   [email protected]  with questions and to be placed on the reminder list.  

Cape Critters Program The Cape Critters Program is designed for children ages 5-7 years old that have no sailing experience. It is a ½ day program that begins at 9 AM and concludes at 12 PM, Monday through Wednesday or Thursday and Friday. The core concepts are fundamentals of water safety, sailing our Hobie Waves, and an experience of the wonder of our diverse bayside environment. FUN and teamwork are emphasized while sailing as a group. An onboard instructor rotates the campers through a series of jobs including Lookout - Sail Trim - and Steering.

Weekday Sailing School

Students can attend a 3 hour morning or afternoon session, or they can attend a 7 hour all day clinic with a one hour break for lunch and pool time. We have 5 different skill levels, training to the 19 skills in US Sailing's Start Sailing Right. Students are placed in groups based on previous experience and instructor assessments. Depending on their skills students may sail in Hobie Waves - Flying Scots - Zests - Sunfish - Lasers, and other boats. As they progress they will learn skills like seamanship, water safety, proper sail trim and steering, rigging and de-rigging, launching and landing, and capsizing and recovery. Each daily session includes a brief pre and post sail chalk talk, with the majority of the time dedicated to being on the water.

Cape Critter Program (morning only, M-W or Th-F)  

        Ages 5-7  with NO SAILING EXPERIENCE.

•        Monday to Wednesday or Thursday and Friday

•        9 AM to 12 PM

•        Boats: Hobie Wave For more Critter information Click HERE

Register HERE

All Day Session                                     

        Ages 8-18 •        Weekday Sailing School** •        9 AM to 4 PM (12-1=lunch/swim break) •        Boats: Zest/Opti/Sunfish/Laser/420

Morning Session

       Ages 8-18 •        Weekday Sailing School** •        9 AM to 12 PM •        Boats: Zest/Hobie Wave/Opti/Sunfish/Laser/420 **Requires Froglet minimum skills for sailors under 10

Afternoon Session                                  

       Ages 8-18

•        Weekday Sailing School**

•        1 PM to 4 PM

•        Boats: Zest/Opti/Sunfish/Laser/420 **Requires Froglet minimum skills for sailors under 10

   

For more Weekday Sailing School Information Click HERE

To register click here, frequently asked questions.

Q: What should my sailor bring to summer sailing lessons?

A: Sunglasses, Hat, Water bottle, Swim outfit, Sunscreen, Towel, Lunch (for Full day), Life Jacket, Closed Toed shoes that can get wet. Click here for a detailed list.

Q: Does my sailor need a life vest?

A: YES! Sailors need to bring their own life jacket. Your PFD should be Coast Guard approved and the right size for your sailor. We have a bin of life jackets that students can borrow if they occasionally forget.

Q: Where can I drop off/pick up my sailor from LYC Sailing School?

Please drop your sailor off outside the Regatta Room Monday morning and register with the instructor at the table. They will direct you to the proper location. For the safety of your sailor, please check in and out. Drop off starts at 8:50 am. Please find the Sailing Director to approve contact information!  The AM and Cape Critters end at noon and Full and PM lessons end at 4pm. The kids will be waiting for you in the Regatta Room to pick them up. Please confirm pick-up with the Sailing Director or an Instructor so that we know your child has been picked up safely. All non-member AM/Cape critters need to be checked out before 12:15pm.

Q: Will there be a swim check?

A: Instructors give a swim check Monday morning to ensure comfort and safety in and around the water.

Q: What happens when the weather is too bad to sail?

A: Safety is our #1 priority. If the weather does not permit us to sail we will bring class inside to do sailing related activities and team building exercises until conditions improve.

Q: What if we have to cancel?

A: Students who cancel three weeks prior to the program start date receive a full refund. Within two weeks prior to the start date, the student receives a 50% refund. Inside of two weeks there will be no refund.

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Photo by Maria Deforrest

The east coast boasts a colorful racing scene this summer as first state residents enjoy lively yacht competitions on the delaware bay..

In 2005, Vincent Walsh and Thomas Sheridan purchased a house on Pilottown Road in Lewes for one primary reason. Since the property stretches to the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, they have a private slip for the 37-foot sloop Ceili.

Over the past decade, the couple has witnessed an increased interest in sailing. “[Lewes has] become a big sailing community,” Walsh says. “It’s partly because of the easy access to the Delaware Bay, which is beautiful to sail in.”

The proximity to bay and ocean has made Lewes a sailor’s paradise for centuries. The Lewes Yacht Club was founded in 1932, and residents like Nick Carter—whose grandfather was a club founder—and Bert Keller grew up sailing off Lewes Beach. “We probably spent as much time on the water as we did on the sand,” Keller says.

In the late 20th century, powerboats and Jet Skis began eclipsing all but the small sailboats on the horizon. But now, there are more vessels like Ceili gliding past the Delaware Breakwater and East End Lighthouse.

Delaware-bay-races

In part, credit the “Beer Can Fleet,” an informal regatta for all sizes and classes. Carter and friends started the competitions about 15 years ago. Today, about 11 boats participate in the races, held on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. during the season. Anyone can join, and participants include Carter’s 36-foot Catalina sloop rig and Keller’s Catalina 25, a smaller cruising sailboat. “We’re the smallest but not always the slowest,” Keller quips.

The wind affects the course, but the two breakwaters, ice breakers and buoys often serve as marks. It’s up to the skipper to monitor the race time from start to finish. The boats are handicapped since they are all different. (Handicapping allows dissimilar classes of sailboats to race against one another. The goal is to emphasize a crew’s skill and not the boat’s inherent advantages or disadvantages.)

At the month’s end, boats with the lowest scores receive awards. There’s also a trophy for sailboats with the lowest cumulative score over the summer. It’s named the Drew Pfarr Memorial Cup to honor a late competitor’s son.

Part of the Mid-Atlantic Yacht Racing Association , the more formal Cape-to-Cape Challenge is organized by the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May and the Lewes Yacht Club. The 2021 event is Friday, August 6, through Saturday, August 7. (The Lewes Yacht Club has also hosted the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association.)

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As for smaller vessels, the club is kindling more interest in racing with 2 p.m. competitions on Saturdays and a sailing school for kids ages 6 to 16. Membership is not required.

Sailfish and Sunfish are frequently spotted soaring across the Rehoboth Bay, which is too shallow for larger boats. It’s not unusual to spot a novice sailor trudging through water, pulling a boat behind them.

“But that’s why it’s a good place to learn,” says Greg Holochwost, manager of the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association . “It’s a relatively calm body of water with fairly steady winds all summer long.”

The club, founded in 1963 to promote sailing and preserve the inland bays, has about 150 members. (A family is considered one membership.) However, the public may rent sailboats, including a 19-foot vessel, and take lessons. The club also holds a sailing camp for kids.

yacht-club-races

Every Saturday, Sunfish and Flying Scots participate in races, and the club welcomes non-members for Hobie races. An annual race around the bay is also open to all boats, which are handicapped, and this year, the club plans to hold regattas for Lasers and Sunfish.

Any type of sailing requires skill. For a race, larger boats need a crew of up to five to cover all the bases. But the thrill of competition is not sailing’s sole allure. Sheridan, who has his captain’s license, and Walsh simply enjoy the quiet charm of moving across the bay on wind power. They often tie-up with boats to create a floating social scene.

After all, Walsh says, ceili is Gaelic for “party.”

For more information, visit: Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar St.; Lewes, 645-8596; lewesyachtclub.com

Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association 38767 Rehoboth Bay Sailing Assoc. Lane, Dewey; 227-9008; rbsa.org

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From a Hobie to offshore racing

lewes yacht club newport

After only racing since 2019, skipper Hattie Warwick-Smith of Lewes took part in the 470-nautical mile Annapolis to Newport Race in early June.

She's come a long way from sailing on her Hobie Cat.

Warwick-Smith and her crew of four started the race in her 34-foot Tartan 34C sailboat Iris on June 4 and finished at 1 a.m. June 9 in Rhode Island, second to last in the 82-boat race sponsored by Annapolis Yacht Club.

Crew members included local sailors Nate Landis, Josh Getka, Jason Subach and Elizabeth Hinkle.

“We were the smallest and slowest boat in the fleet, and I didn't think we'd beat anybody,” she said. “Finishing when we did is faster than I anticipated.”

She purchased Iris in 2018 and has been involved in Lewes Yacht Club sailing ever since. Warwick-Smith, who is Dogfish Head Craft Brewing Co. Delaware site leader and senior director of finance at Boston Beer Co., has been a member of the club since 2006. She has worked at Dogfish since 2016.

To get to Annapolis, Warwick-Smith sailed solo from Lewes, through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal into Chesapeake Bay. She docked at Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis two days prior to the start of the race where she met up with her crew.

The first leg of the 38th biennial race was south on Chesapeake Bay, then around Cape Charles and north in the Atlantic Ocean to Rhode Island.

Because Warwick-Smith has some offshore sailing training, she was responsible for all navigation and weather-routing, which was a first for her. Weather-routing software is used by skippers and captains to determine the best route based on current weather, forecast weather and ocean currents. At one point, they sailed as far as 80 miles offshore to catch favorable winds.

The skipper and her crew worked shifts to keep racing 24 hours a day, with two crew members on duty at all times. “And when they weren't on duty they had to sleep. Getting sleep was very important,” she said.

They had to stock provisions to last six days, and without refrigeration it was a challenge, she said. She said for the first  

two days they ate foods stored in coolers, but had to switch to nonperishables early on. Somehow, she managed to provide a home-cooked meal – some were prepared ahead of time – each day for the crew.

Although the weather gods smiled favorably on the race, she said the wind picked up about 20 hours from the finish and destroyed Iris' large spinnaker halyard. From there, they were limited to a small spinnaker and jib.

While this was the first major offshore race Warwick-Smith has skippered, she has logged many hours of training and sailing in local waters.

She attended offshore racing classes last summer at the Maryland Sailing School.

She stresses safety above everything else. “I take safety of the crew very seriously,” she said.

Warwick-Smith, who lives with husband Mike Goetz, an avid windsurfer, moved to Lewes in 2006 after moving to the United States in 2000. She left England in 1997 to live in Dubai.

She is not one to sit around and is already thinking about future races, including the Annapolis to Bermuda Race possibly in 2022.

Her ultimate sailing adventure? “I'd love to sail transatlantic to my home county of Hampshire in England,” she said. “But that's a lofty goal.”

Lewes' Carter also in race

Another sailor with strong Lewes ties also competed in the race. U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Frank Carter, son of Nick and Laurie Carter of Lewes, was part of the crew of Ranger, one of five Navy boats in the race.

lewes yacht club newport

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Navigating the Elegance: A Comprehensive Guide to Newport County’s Yacht Clubs

The Team at Hogan Associates

  • September 20, 2023

lewes yacht club newport

Newport, Rhode Island, renowned for its rich maritime history and picturesque coastal scenery, is a hub for sailing enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. The city is home to a collection of prestigious yacht clubs that offer an exquisite blend of nautical charm, impeccable services, and breathtaking vistas.

A number of our Hogan Associates agents are active members of local yacht clubs and can offer insight and recommendations to suit your needs. While programs vary, typical services include boat storage and maintenance, mooring services, sailing instruction, race management, social events, and junior sailing programs. This overview of the prominent yacht clubs of Newport, as well as nearby Jamestown, Tiverton, and Little Compton is a glimpse into the offerings and options available. 

New York Yacht Club (NYYC)

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5 Halidon Avenue, Newport, RI

The New York Yacht Club, founded in 1844, is the third oldest yacht club in the United States and an iconic symbol of sailing heritage. While its headquarters remain at the New York Yacht Club Building in New York City, its Rhode Island location is nestled in the exquisite Harbour Court estate and offers stunning panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Membership here provides access to world-class dining, sailing events, and upscale amenities. The club also offers a range of sailing programs and regattas, making it an ideal choice for both experienced sailors and newcomers to the sport. The America’s Cup trophy was first won by members in 1851 and held by the NYYC until 1983.

Newport Yacht Club

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110 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI

Situated at the heart of Newport’s historic waterfront, the Newport Yacht Club offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. With its relaxed atmosphere, the club provides an inviting environment for boaters of all levels. Besides access to well-maintained facilities, members can enjoy a vibrant social calendar, sailing lessons, and competitive racing events. The club’s prime location also ensures easy access to Newport’s downtown attractions.

Ida Lewis Yacht Club

170 Wellington Ave, Newport, RI

Named after the legendary lighthouse keeper, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club offers a picturesque location on Lime Rock overlooking Newport Harbor. This family-oriented club boasts a range of amenities and a lively clubhouse. Known for its emphasis on junior sailing programs, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club nurtures a love for sailing among young enthusiasts.

Sail Newport

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Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI

As a community sailing center, Sail Newport focuses on accessibility and education. Located within the historic Fort Adams State Park, the club offers an array of programs suitable for all ages and skill levels. From sailing lessons and rentals to regattas, Sail Newport provides a dynamic platform for embracing the joy of sailing without the need for private membership. 

Conanicut Yacht Club

40 Bay View Drive, Jamestown, RI

Just across the Newport Pell Bridge on Conanicut Island, the Conanicut Yacht Club offers a serene retreat with spectacular vistas of Narragansett Bay. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the club provides an array of sailing activities, social events, and dining options. The junior sailing program is highly regarded, making it an excellent choice for families seeking to cultivate a love for sailing in their children.

Tiverton Yacht Club

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58 Riverside Dr, Tiverton, RI

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Tiverton, Rhode Island, this club provides a haven for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. Services and amenities include state-of-the-art marina facilities with well-maintained docks and slips, boat storage, and a well-stocked ship’s store for all your maritime needs. Members can enjoy access to clubhouse facilities, featuring waterfront dining, bar services, and event spaces for social gatherings. TYC’s robust program calendar offers sailing lessons, regattas, and races for sailors of all skill levels, fostering a vibrant community of passionate sailors.

Sakonnet Yacht Club

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163 Sakonnet Point Rd, Little Compton, RI

Sakonnet Yacht Club, situated on the scenic shores of the Sakonnet River, provides well-maintained docks and moorings, a clubhouse with a restaurant serving delicious cuisine, and a bar overlooking the water, perfect for social gatherings and events. Sakonnet Yacht Club also hosts an array of programs, from sailing lessons for beginners to regattas and races for experienced sailors, fostering a vibrant maritime community that welcomes all ages and skill levels.

Newport County is a beacon for yachting enthusiasts with a wide array of yacht clubs catering to diverse tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the sport, Newport County’s yacht clubs provide a range of experiences, from opulent and exclusive to community-oriented and accessible. The unique blend of history, culture, and maritime excellence ensures that any boating enthusiast can find a perfect haven for indulging in their passion. So, whether you’re navigating the competitive waters or seeking a tranquil escape, Newport’s yacht clubs invite you to embrace the allure of the sea in all its splendor.

Explore these other blogs posts about boating in Rhode Island:

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If you’re interested in buying or selling a property in Newport, RI or its surrounding communities, Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate will gladly be your guide. Call us at (401) 680-6588 or send a message to [email protected].

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burgee 8-18-11_300 no text.png

SeaGate Yacht Club

Burgee Exchange

The burgees are on display above the bar in our clubhouse.

It is traditional for yacht clubs to exchange burgees during the first visit by one yacht club to the other. It is the desire that our club continue this tradition. If you are planning to visit a yacht club with whom we have not yet exchanged burgees, be sure to take a SGYC burgee with you to exchange.

As we exchange with a club, we will post the photo of their burgee on these pages. Please review this list to be sure you are not exchanging with a club we have already visited. This list is in alphabetical order for easy review.

If you require a burgee to present, you can obtain one by contacting the Commodore or Shipstore. Please allow yourself plenty of time to schedule the pickup of your burgee.

When you visit a club, bring one of our burgees with you. Tell the person who greets you that you are interested in exchanging burgees with their club. They may perform the exchange at that time or they may put you in touch with one of their officers. If you are visiting the club during an event, they may even make the exchange as part of the presentations at the event. If you are calling ahead to advise them you are going to visit their club, it would be appropriate to mention at that time that your are interested in exchanging burgees.

lewes yacht club newport

Alameda, CA

Dennis & Peggy Huffman

lewes yacht club newport

American Legion YC

Newport Beach, CA

Staff Commodore Josef & Kim Davydovits

lewes yacht club newport

Staff Commodore Mike Courtway & Sharon

lewes yacht club newport

Bahia Corinthian YC

lewes yacht club newport

Staff Commodore Mike & Sharon Courtway

lewes yacht club newport

Benicia, CA

Vaughn & Pat Jenkes

lewes yacht club newport

Cabrillo Beach YC

San Pedro, CA

Staff Commodore Cliff & Sandy Meier

lewes yacht club newport

California YC

Marina del Rey, CA

Staff Commodore Mary Shebell & Merle McCormick

lewes yacht club newport

Catalina Island YC

Staff Commodore Cleve Sproule & Mark Arizmendi

lewes yacht club newport

Chicago, IL

Dan Torla & Pam Hays

lewes yacht club newport

Coronado Cays YC

Coronado, CA

Staff Commodore Ray & Jan Nagele

lewes yacht club newport

Coronado YC

Staff Commodore Cleve Sproule

lewes yacht club newport

Dana Point YC

Dana Point, CA

Larry & Carole Stelle

lewes yacht club newport

Dana West YC

Exchange by SGYC member

lewes yacht club newport

Marina Del Rey, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Golden Gate YC

San Francisco, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Huntington Harbour YC

Huntington Beach, CA

Staff Commodore Tom & Jan McKnew

lewes yacht club newport

Ithaca, New York

lewes yacht club newport

Ketchikan YC

Ketchikan, AK

lewes yacht club newport

King Harbor YC

Redondo Beach, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Kungl Svenska Segel Sallskapet

(Royal Swedish Sailing Association)

Curt & Sue Hermelin

lewes yacht club newport

La Mariana Sailing Club

Honolulu, HI

lewes yacht club newport

Lahaina, HA

lewes yacht club newport

Lake Gregory YC

Crestline, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Lake Havasu YC

Lake Havasu, AZ

lewes yacht club newport

Lerwick Boating Club

Lerwick, Shetland Isles, UK

Staff Commodore Les & Cathy Kelly

lewes yacht club newport

Lewes Yacht Club

lewes yacht club newport

Lighthouse Point YC

Lighthouse Point, FL

Jeff & Tina Haas

lewes yacht club newport

Loch Lomond YC

San Rafael, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Los Angeles YC

lewes yacht club newport

Marina Yacht Club

Long Beach, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Monaco Yacht Club

lewes yacht club newport

Mulberry Point Harbor YC

Stillwater, MN

Josef & Kim Davydovits

lewes yacht club newport

Nawiliwili YC

Nawiliwili, HA

Ron & Kay Nelson

lewes yacht club newport

Newport Beach YC

Fictitious YC (circa 2005) from the TV show "The OC”. The SGYC burgee hangs in the YC on the television set. Mary Shebell

lewes yacht club newport

Newport, RI

lewes yacht club newport

Oceanside YC

Oceanside, CA

Dennis and Peggy Huffman

lewes yacht club newport

Pacific Corinthian YC

Loretta Hollenbeck

lewes yacht club newport

Port Douglas YC

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

Staff Commodore Josef & Kim Davydovits and Jeff & Tina Haas

lewes yacht club newport

Royal Cork YC

Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland

Gary & Sharon Young

lewes yacht club newport

Royal Jamaica YC

Kingston, Jamaica

lewes yacht club newport

Royal Swedish Motor YC

Stockholm, Sweden

lewes yacht club newport

Royal Vancouver YC

Vancouver, BC

lewes yacht club newport

Saint Barth YC

lewes yacht club newport

San Diego YC

San Diego, CA

Staff Commodore Jim & Jeannie Woods

lewes yacht club newport

San Francisco Yacht Club

lewes yacht club newport

San Luis YC

Avila Beach, CA

lewes yacht club newport

Santa Barbara YC

Santa Barbara, CA

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Santa Cruz Yacht Club

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A4 Architecture + Planning, Inc. | Newport, RI

Newport Spotlight: Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC)

by Ross Cann | Sep 19, 2023 | Articles , Historical , Newport Spotlight

lewes yacht club newport

Aerial view of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club (Photo Credits: PJ Dougherty)

When a city is as old as Newport, Rhode Island, which was founded in 1639, many of the buildings and structures of the city have had to function for many different purposes over time. This blog has noted how many buildings have been recognized as National Historic Landmarks and how even more have been added to the National Register of Historic Places , which is nearly as high of a recognition. Today, Newport Harbor is home to five different yacht clubs. These range from the extremely stately Harbour Court clubhouse of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) to much more humble facilities. One of the most interesting of those facilities is home to the Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC), which was named for the lighthouse and island constructed in the 1930’s used by Ida Lewis, one of America’s earliest female “superheroes.”

lewes yacht club newport

Ida Lewis (1842-1911)

The original light house was constructed in 1853 on the Lime Rock, the largest of a series of outcroppings about 900 feet from the Newport shore. It started as a tiny house used for the lighthouse keeper when they had to stay overnight and tend to the facility. Hosea Lewis took the post of the first keeper in 1853 and held the position until his death in 1911. His daughter Ida provided her capable assistance to him during this time, slowly taking on more and more of the responsibilities from her father. At the time of his passing, Ida became the first female lighthouse keeper in the country. As early as 1869, she started to become famous for her daring saves of seamen lost in the waters of the harbor. Harpers Weekly and the New York Tribune called her the “Heroine of Lime Rock”, and published tales of the 18 lives she is officially credited with saving.

lewes yacht club newport

Ida Lewis Yacht Club Viewed From The Docks

The functional lighthouse lost its purpose as automatic and electrical light replaced the gas and oil lights of earlier periods. By the 1920s the remnants of the rock outcroppings were sold to the “Narragansett Bay Regatta Association”, which was compromised of a group of experienced yachtsmen. In 1928, the officially christened a new facility called the “Ida Lewis Yacht Club” in honor of the longtime lighthouse keeper and American heroine.

A long wooden walkway was constructed to connect the rock outcroppings to the shore, while docks for members boats were built off the walkway over time. During the America’s Cup eras and before the NYYC purchased Harbour Court, the facility let the club share the grounds and had their burgee fly off the auxiliary flagpole. In 1988, the facility was added to the Registry of Historic Places for its historic importance.

lewes yacht club newport

Ida Lewis Yacht Club Viewed From The Water

Even though it is a modest facility, the ILYC represents an important chapter of Newport history when brave men and women like Ida Lewis were tasked with keeping seamen safe and occasionally having to step in to save them during dangerous and stormy conditions. Today the yacht club is an exceptional example of adaptive reuse and a lovely place to dock a boat or watch a sunset from the middle of the beautiful Newport Harbor.

lewes yacht club newport

Looking out from the Ida Lewis Yacht Club

Ross Cann, RA, AIA, LEED AP, is an author, historian, and practicing architect living and working in Newport, RI. He holds degrees with honor in Architecture from Yale, Cambridge, and Columbia Universities. He is an avid sailor and race committee member. He is also a longstanding member of the ILYC and its Racing Committee.

A4 Architecture

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  2. Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport, RI, United States

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  4. Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport, RI, United States

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COMMENTS

  1. Home

    The Lewes Yacht Club is a private membership club with facilities that are for the sole and private use of the LYC Members and their guests. OUR MISSION The mission of the Lewes Yacht Club is to serve our members in a welcoming atmosphere fostering sailing, boating, swimming, and social activities centered on the Delaware Bay. ...

  2. Lewes Yacht Club

    The Lewes Yacht Club (LYC) was founded in 1932 and is enriched by its history and. traditions, yet has a casual and relaxed atmosphere. We offer a variety of activities for. our members from sailing to swimming, to boating, to a variety of dining, including. banquet facilities.

  3. Member Yacht Clubs ⋆ The Sailing Museum

    Learn about our Member Yacht Clubs and how your club can join us! VISIT. VISIT. 365 Thames Street . Newport, RI 02840 . OPEN DAILY. 10 am -5 pm. ... Lewes Yacht Club. Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club. Long Beach Yacht Club. ... Newport, RI 02840 ...

  4. Membership

    Multi-Access: Your LYC membership includes access to ALL the areas of the club - dining, marina, pool, beach, sailing, and much, much more. Memberships: LYC memberships include immediate family, without separate fees. Value: Membership is an exceptional VALUE with affordable dues and minimums. Hospitable: Friendly and efficient staff ...

  5. Join Us

    Join Us. Thank you for your interest in the Lewes Yacht Club! Our membership is now at its limit. LYC maintains a Wait List for membership with an estimated wait of 12+ years. Wait List applicants require one member sponsor. To be placed on the wait list, you must fill out an Application for the Wait List (available through a current member ...

  6. About Us

    Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar Street P.O. Box 2 Lewes, DE 19958-0002 302.645.8596

  7. LYC Membership

    Roosevelt Inlet Coordinates: 38 47.94 N, 75 09.29 W. Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar Street P.O. Box 2 Lewes, DE 19958-0002 302.645.8596

  8. Lewes Yacht Club

    Lewes Yacht Club began in 1932 as an idea for a sailing association that was proposed to Marjorie Virden by George Davisson. There were 17 charter members, including Richard Reese, Sr., who became the first Commodore. ... 365 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401.324.5761 Toll-Free: 877.295.3022

  9. Lewes Yacht Club ⋆ The Sailing Museum

    The Lewes Yacht Club (LYC) was founded in 1932 to encourage water sports, boating, casual sailing, and promote racing competition. The Club is enriched by its history and traditions, yet has a casual and relaxed atmosphere. LYC is situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. ... Newport, RI 02840 . 401.324.5761 .

  10. History

    Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar Street P.O. Box 2 Lewes, DE 19958-0002 302.645.8596: LYC History. LYC History in photos 80th Anniversary Commemorative Book: 1934: Dues $3.00, initiation $1.00 1934: September - Membership numbers grow to 82 1937: July - LYC incorporated

  11. Contact Us

    Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar Street P.O. Box 2 Lewes, DE 19958-0002 302.645.8596: Other Club Contacts: Reservations (302) 645-8596 xt.5: MUST be a member to make a reservation. Guests must be accompanied by a member: General Manager (302)645-8596: [email protected]: Restaurant Manager's Office (302) 645-8596 xt.8 :

  12. Sailing School

    Click HERE for 2024 Sailing School Registration. Sessions will start on Monday, June 10 with the last week starting on Monday, August 12. Email [email protected] with questions and to be placed on the reminder list. Cape Critters Program. The Cape Critters Program is designed for children ages 5-7 years old that have no sailing experience.

  13. Lewes Yacht Club Sailing

    Lewes Yacht Club Sailing, Lewes, Delaware. 204 likes · 1 talking about this · 15 were here. The Sailing Program promotes adult and youth sailing through sailing programs and regattas.

  14. The Delaware Bay Is Smooth Sailing for Yacht Club Races

    For more information, visit: Lewes Yacht Club 2701 Cedar St.; Lewes, 645-8596; lewesyachtclub.com. Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association 38767 Rehoboth Bay Sailing Assoc. Lane, Dewey; 227-9008; rbsa.org. The East Coast boasts a colorful racing scene this summer as First State residents enjoy lively yacht competitions on the Delaware Bay.

  15. Skipper leads Iris to Newport finish

    Iris skipper Hattie Warwick-Smith of Lewes Yacht Club and her crew overcame sea sickness and rough weather conditions in the Atlantic Ocean to finish the 475-mile Annapolis to Newport (R.I.) Race the first week in June. ... She was still heading toward Newport when the awards ceremony took place, but the event was videotaped and emailed to her ...

  16. From a Hobie to offshore racing

    After only racing since 2019, skipper Hattie Warwick-Smith of Lewes took part in the 470-nautical mile Annapolis to Newport Race in early June. ... She purchased Iris in 2018 and has been involved in Lewes Yacht Club sailing ever since. Warwick-Smith, who is Dogfish Head Craft Brewing Co. Delaware site leader and senior director of finance at ...

  17. Lewes Yacht Club Sailing

    Lewes Yacht Club Sailing, Lewes, Delaware. 219 likes · 15 were here. The Sailing Program promotes adult and youth sailing through sailing programs and regattas.

  18. Navigating the Elegance: A Comprehensive Guide to Newport County's

    Newport Yacht Club . 110 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI. Situated at the heart of Newport's historic waterfront, the Newport Yacht Club offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. With its relaxed atmosphere, the club provides an inviting environment for boaters of all levels. Besides access to well-maintained facilities, members can ...

  19. BurgeeExchange

    It is traditional for yacht clubs to exchange burgees during the first visit by one yacht club to the other. It is the desire that our club continue this tradition. If you are planning to visit a yacht club with whom we have not yet exchanged burgees, be sure to take a SGYC burgee with you to exchange. As we exchange with a club, we will post ...

  20. Home

    The Ida Lewis Yacht Club is a unique seasonal private Club located on Lime Rock in the heart of Newport Harbor. Ida Lewis Distance Race August 16-17, 2024 Click here to learn more. Ida Lewis Yacht Club ; Wellington Avenue, P.O. Box 479, Newport, RI 02840; T: 401-846-1969;

  21. Newport Spotlight: Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC)

    Today, Newport Harbor is home to five different yacht clubs. These range from the extremely stately Harbour Court clubhouse of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) to much more humble facilities. One of the most interesting of those facilities is home to the Ida Lewis Yacht Club (ILYC), which was named for the lighthouse and island constructed in the ...