About the Club

Introduction

The Sea Cliff Yacht Club is a private, Members only Club created for the common interests of it Members and to promote the sport of sailing, yachting and other aquatic sports. The Sea Cliff Yacht Club is operated as a corporation under a charter granted by New York State. It's affairs are conducted by a group of Members elected to office annually under terms of the Club's constitution. The Club has shown continued growth in facilities and services through the years. The value of its properties have increased greatly though conservation and farsighted management. The Club burgee is a triangular blue flag bearing a red five-pointed star which is centered in a white rhombus.

History

Cruising yachts flying the Club's burgee, have campaigned successfully on the Sound in regional competitions, as well as in The Around Long Island Regatta which the Club has proudly hosted since its inception in 1977.  They have also been involved with long-distance competitions including the Block Island, Vineyard and Bermuda races.

Sea Cliff Yacht Club has repeatedly won the Arthur P. Davis trophy for outstanding contribution to yachting on Long Island Sound.  The cornerstone of the Club is sailing, but the focus is on our Member families having fun and expanding their horizons in many different arenas.



Facilities

The Club is ideally located in a residential neighborhood on the waterfront in Sea Cliff, New York; situated on a wide sandy beach at the southeast corner of Hempstead Harbor.

The Club maintains a pier and a float extending into deep water, complete with fresh water, electrical and pump-out service.  Ample launch service is provided for the Club's anchorage, a carefully supervised mooring field, directly off the beach, which accommodates the greatest number of yachts in the Club's fleet.  For those who wish to race in the Sound, the Club is only three miles from the Y.R.A. one design mid-sound starting line, as well as it's proximaty to many of the area's long distance races.

The large and comfortable clubhouse contains inviting public spaces, a full-service restaurant, two bars, snack bar, junior room, locker room, men's and women's dressing rooms with showers, offices, workshop and lavatories.  An A.A.U. competition swimming pool and kiddie pool lie adjacent to the clubhouse, accessible from the large wrap around deck.    A charming brick-paved patio, grill area, and open sun deck supplement the pool and beach for outdoor events.  Also provided are boat racks, storage spaces and hoists for the launching and hauling of dry-sailing craft.

In addition to using the Club's facilities, Members are entitled to enjoy the facilities of over 40 other area yacht clubs with which Sea Cliff Yacht Club shares reciprocal privileges.

Yachting Activities

Sea Cliff Yacht Club is a member of the United States Sailing Association and the Yachting Racing Association of Long Island Sound.  Sailing is conducted all year, although the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is the period of greatest activity.  Two large launches provide daily service from May to early November for yachts moored in the anchorage.  One-design racing is held primarily on weekends.

Sea Cliff Yacht Club boat owners are always looking for crew, so Members don't necessarily need to own their own vessels to enjoy yachting.  The Club's fleet of 6 Ideal 18s are available to Members on a time-share basis, for racing and recreational day cruising. Adult sailing instruction on these beginner friendly boats is also available with as part of Club Membership.  During the off-season (November to March), "Frostbite" Sunfish class racing is conducted on a regular basis.

The Club's Cruising Division organizes weekly races o n Wednesday evenings in addition to several cruising races during the Summer.  Cruising Division yachts participate in extended Club cruises and numerous weekend raft-ups at the Club's Oyster Bay moorings as well as longer distance cruises to other yacht clubs in the region.

Junior Programs

Sea Cliff Yacht Club is a member of the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound, Inc. and boasts an extensive coed Junior Sailing program (ages 8 to 17), conducted under the most stringent guidelines and safety standards.  A cadre of instructors is employed to teach basic sailing techniques and advanced competitive racing in Optimist, Blue Jay and Laser classes.  Participants enjoy regattas and social events with the area yacht clubs throughout the Sound.  The Program has a sterling reputation; testament to this are the many graduates who have become world-class sailors.

The Club also sponsors a Swim Team (ages 8 and under, through age 17) which is a member of the North Shore Swim League, providing instruction and activities in addition to participation in regional swim meets.  Certified lifeguards are on duty daily at the Club's freshwater swimming pool.

Sea Cliff Yacht Club also sports a Children's Summer Program (ages 3 to 7) offering a well-structured, supervised program with activities including: arts & crafts, music & dance, games, entertainment, swimming, boating safety and beach side free play.

Social Activities

Sea Cliff Yacht Club prides itself on it's large and diverse social calendar.  The Club annually publishes a schedule of events, for the whole family, ranging from the extremely casual to formal black-tie dinner dances.

Adult main attractions include: Commodore's Ball, Clambake, Around Long Island Awards Night Banquet and New Year's Eve Gala Ball.  Members dine year-round overlooking the breathtaking panoramic views of Hempstead Harbor.  The Club's restaurant facilities are available to Members and guests for private parties.

In-season family perpetual events include: Commissioning Day and Change of Seasons Ceremonies and Dinners.  Holiday events include: Valentine's Dinner, Children's Halloween & Christmas Parties, plus Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Off-season events include: racing seminars, fleet sponsored supper parties and dances, skating and ski outings, and pancake breakfasts to name but a few.

Membership

For additional information pursuing Membership at the Sea Cliff Yacht Club, or to find out how you and your family can join and enjoy all the Clubs' wonderful benefits of Membership, please call the Club Office at (516) 671-7374 or email us at office@seacliffyc.org.