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A guide to the Richmond Yacht Club photographs, circa 1920s-1977

A guide to the richmond yacht club photographs.

Publication and Use Rights

Processing Note

Preferred Citation

Acquisition Information

Historical or Biographical Note

Chronology:

• 1932 - Richmond Yacht Club is established.
• 1933 - Site is chosen and the first clubhouse is erected at the outer end of Laurentzen Channel.
• 1934 - Captures its first YRA season championship award.
• 1934 - The first issue of "Flying Jib" was published.
• 1937 - Creates an affiliation with the Northern California Power Cruiser Association.
• 1939 - The clubhouse was moved by barge to Bulldog Point in April and was ready for use by May.
• 1939 - The El Toro class boat was created by the club, later becoming a staple of the club's fleet.
• 1942 - Evicted by the Maritime Commission, the club is forced to relocate to the basement of Richmond City Hall.
• 1946 - Introduction of El Toros as an organized racing class. The Bear class boats were also popular with members at this time. Site selection and building of a new clubhouse near the turning basin in the Santa Fe Channel.
• 1947 - "Flying Jib" went out of print.
• 1948 - The small boat house was rebuilt and RYC began to host regattas again; the publication "Storm Jib" replaced the "Flying Jib".
• 1951 - The Junior Program was established.
• 1951 - An onsite liquor license was acquired for the creation of a revenue-generating bar.
• 1953 - The boat yard was paved, facilitating access to the water which increased use of the club facilities.
• 1963 - The contract for the property was signed and Brickyard Cove Harbors (BYCH), Inc. was formed.
• 1965 - New harbor officially opened January 31. A time capsule was placed in the fireplace stone on October 17. From its opening in 1965 until 1978, the harbor at the Brickyard Cove was operated by a concessionaire, Gary Rule.
• 1966 - The new clubhouse was dedicated at Brickyard Cove on April 30. Renovations made to the harbor in September.
• 1969 - Harbor slips were 100% occupied and week-long cruises were added.
• 1976 - The IRS ruled that only RYC members could occupy the berths and the harbor became members-only.
• 1979 - All club debts were paid in full.

References:

• 1920 Federal Census: San Francisco Assembly District 26, San Francisco, California; Roll: T625_135; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 111; Image: 397. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Accessed on April 19, 2013.
• California, Death Index, 1940-1997: Sacramento, CA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Accessed on April 19, 2013.
• California; Registration County: San Francisco; Roll: 1544241; Draft Board: 6. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc. 2005.
• Gerald Heaphey family tree. Compiled by user prideaux. Ancestry.com. Accessed April 19, 2013. http://trees.ancestrylibrary.com/tree/4000763/person/-1663418943
• Heaphey, Gerald J. Grave marker. Accessed on April 19, 2013. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=HEA&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=6&GScntry=4&GSsr=2041&GRid=103474352&
• Heaphey, Marie Jane Lynch. Social Security Death Index [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2011. Accessed on April 19, 2013.
• Social Security Death Index [database on-line]. Number: 553-03-5331; Issue State: California; Issue Date: 1952. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2011. Accessed on April 19, 2013.
• U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Accessed on April 19, 2013.
• Wootten, Frank [et al.], edited by Floyd Luther. Richmond Yacht Club 1932-1982. [s.l.: s.n.]
• World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc. Accessed on April 19, 2013.
• World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; State Headquarters: California. Ancestry.com Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Accessed on April 19, 2013.

Collection Scope and Content

Collection Arrangement

Related Materials

• This material is located at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Series 1.  Photographs, circa 1920-1970s (bulk 1930s-1940s)

Scope and Content Note

• Items 01-03: Portraits of two people on board passenger steamers HARVARD (built 1907; merchant vessel) and AVALON (built 1891; passenger vessel), possibly Gerald and Marie Heaphey, circa 1920-1930s.
• Items 04-11: Photographs of Richmond Yacht Service exterior and men working on boats, circa 1930s-1940s.
• Items 12-13: Exterior view of Standard Oil Company fueling stations, circa 1930s-1940s.
• Items 14-24: Various views of unidentified harbors and waterfronts, most likely during some point of development. The location is most likely Richmond, California, and possibly the yacht harbor, Santa Fe Channel, Laurentzen Channel or Bulldog Point, circa 1930s-1940s.
• Items 25-30: Various views of yachts, including one photograph (Item 30) of Gerald Heaphey's yacht MARY JANE, which was most likely built in 1940, with a person (who is most likely Heaphey) captaining the vessel, circa 1930-1950s.
• Items 31-38: Various views of Richmond Yacht Harbor, circa 1940. Most likely includes views of MARY JANE (yacht), Gerald Heaphey's yacht. Items 31 and 32 were originally part of the paper photograph album that houses Items 33-38. The photograph album has "Krystal [sic] Gloss Prints; Guaranteed Forever; An Exclusive Product of; Bear Photo Service; At Leading Druggists" printed on the front. All photographs are 3 x 4.75 in. and have "757" stamped on the back of each print. "Richmond Yacht Harbor, 1940? 'Mary Jane'" is written on the back of the album.
• Items 39-54: Various views of OCEAN VANGUARD (built 1941; cargo vessel: Liberty ship), the first ocean class Liberty Ship, launched on August 16, 1914, and an unidentified ship that may be the same vessel at the shipyard across from the Richmond Yacht Harbor. All photographs are in a paper photograph album. The photograph album has "Krystal [sic] Gloss Prints; Guaranteed Forever; An Exclusive Product of; Bear Photo Service; At Leading Druggists" printed on the front. All photographs have the Bear Photo Service stamp with a processing date of August 27, 1941, and "2" stamped on the back. "Gerald Heaphey, from [Gallen] Best of Luck" written on the inside of the front cover of the photograph album. "Shipyard across from Yacht Harbor" written on the back of the photograph album.
• Items 55-58: Launching of OCEAN VENTURE (built 1941; cargo vessel: Liberty ship), Hull #4 at Richmond, California, September 27, 1941. Four views of a crowd in the foreground and the vessel in the background; two of the photographs have a small sailboat in front of the vessel. All four of the prints are annotated on the back with various forms of the date, hull number, and vessel name.
• Items 59-60: Two photographs of what appear to be yacht races, most likely in or around San Pablo Bay, circa 1950-1970s. Port views of groups of vessels with crew visible on board.

Arrangement

Item No. 05.  Exterior view of Richmond Yacht Service, Richmond, California, circa 1930s-1940s

Item No. 16.  Waterfront along the Richmond Inner Harbor, Richmond, California, circa 1930s-1940s

Item No. 18.  Richmond Inner Harbor Waterfront, Richmond, California, 1937 March 1

Item No. 30.  Mary Jane (yacht) underway, port broadside view, circa 1940

Item No. 58.  Ocean Venture (built 1941; cargo vessel: Liberty Ship) in the water on launching day, view off the port quarter, 1941 September 27

Series 2.  Ephemera, circa 1934-1977 (bulk 1930s-1940s)

• Item 61: Two identical business cards for G. J. Heaphey of the Richmond Yacht Service, Santa Fe Channel, Richmond Inner Harbor, circa 1930s-1940s.
• Item 62: Newspaper article "Aeolians Win Five Firsts in Regatta," by Harry Borba, sports writer for "The Examiner" circa 1934-1950. The article mentions Heaphey's victory over fellow RYC member Alan Clarke at the helm of MERRY JANE [sic].
• Items 63-65: Three newspaper articles regarding the emergency landing of an army transport plane in the San Francisco Bay, circa January 6, 1938. One of the articles mentions that the first boat to arrive at the site was manned by "Joe Argento, shop foreman for the Richmond Yacht Service, Port Captain Ken Eastman, and Charles Pendola, Alexander G. Center and G. J. Heaphey." None of the articles have dates or bylines. These items are located in oversized storage.
• Item 66: Gerald J. Heaphey's membership card for the Richmond Yacht Club, 1941. Details include: Member's card 75 and embossed with the RYC seal. The card is printed on both sides.
• Item 67: Souvenir program from the Pacific Coast Championship Regatta, San Francisco Bay, August 17-21, 1949. The cover has a ship wheel and Pacific Coast Yachting Association burgee on the cover and a compass on the back cover.16 pages. Includes but is not limited to member associations; officers; committee members; sponsors; participating clubs; maps; program; classes, signals, time and courses; racing divisions; and race instructions as well as photomechanical prints on the pages.
• Item 68: Regional Street Map of Richmond and Vicinity, published by the City of Richmond Chamber of Commerce, circa 1955. 17 x 22 in. Includes street key and profile of Richmond, "All-American City."
• Item 69: "The Watch Cap," "Daily Guide," page 1, by Ralph J. Brady, August 22, 1972. The article references the history of the Richmond Inner Harbor and Ellis Point, the first location of the RYC. This item is located in oversized storage.
• Item 70: Clipping of an advertisement for real estate development of the Port of Richmond, specifically for Port related industry, "Marine Digest," June 4, 1977. Includes a photomechanical print of an aerial view of the port.

Item No. 61.  G. J. Heaphey, Richmond Yacht Service business card, circa 1930s-1940s

Item No. 66.  Gerald J. Heaphey's Richmond Yacht Club of California, Inc. membership card, 1941

Item No. 67.  Pacific Coast Championship Regatta souvenir program, 1949 August 17-21

Traditions and Protocols

Doing things well in a consistent and proper fashion is a way of showing pride in yourself, your club, and your boating hobby as well as showing respect to your fellow yachtsmen around the Chesapeake Bay.   Also, traditions and protocols allow us to run events smoothly, effectively mark special occasions, and provide connection back to our founders and forward to the next generation. To this end, the CBYCA collects, monitors, and exchanges information about traditions and protocols of interest to member clubs.   Listed below (in no particular order) answers to commonly asked questions and information that we feel you and your yacht club will find useful. Please find your answer below.  If you are still in need of help email  Captain Protocol

Captain Protocol

Term for an appointed CBYCA officer, committee, or article concerned with yacht club customs, traditions, practices, and protocols to provide uniformity and socially acceptable standards for operations of Clubs

Nameplate Etiquette

Yacht clubs love tradition and one of the great traditional rules is “right rank”.  Just as you wear the collar pin of the office you hold on the right, so also belongs the corresponding badge. So, if you are dressed to represent your office as Secretary of XYZ Yacht Club, then your XYZ Yacht Club badge is worn on the right, while your CBYCA, Power Squadron, PRYCA, CCC, DRYL, etc. badges are worn on the left.   How many badges are worn is up to the wearer or the parent organization.   If you wear more than one badge on the right side (maybe because you ran out of space on your jacket) the badge corresponding to the office you are representing should be the highest.   Badges should be worn above pockets but devices on the pocket are OK when multiple devices are worn – the idea is to look balanced. An often heard problem among yacht club folks is   “my badge sags on my shirt, what can I do?”   The trick the military types typically use is to cut out some stiff material from something like a gift box, place it behind the shirt material, and pin the badge through it – takes a bit of practice to get right – don’t pick a color that shows through the shirt.

Why worry about where and how flags are flown?   Well, before radio and electric lights, flags were how boats communicated at a distance and have become the traditional way that boats tell something of themselves, the owners, and the guests on board.   There are many complications and variations but the main rule to remember is the “right rank” rule. So what rank is right for your boat? It is the one that corresponds to the “official” burgee flown at the bow (power only) or masthead (sail or power). Sailboats may also fly the boat’s “official” burgee on a Starboard hoist. “Official” in this case means the club or organization that you want your boat to represent. It is usually your home yacht club but may be changed for reasons such as cruising with another club to which you belong.

On a boat the place of Honor for the United States National Ensign is at the aft on a pole angled at about 30 degrees. The display standard at most yacht clubs is a spreading yardarm with gaff.  The Ensign is flown from angled gaff with the Club Flag flown on the highest vertical mast. If a yardarm is not available, traditions for display of the United States Ensign is to hoist it on the highest pole of the facility. For more information on mast and flag handling see Flags and Opening Day Presentations.

The flags you fly to Starboard represent the offices of all aboard corresponding to your “official” club burgee or organization flag.  Flags flown to Port are, in general, any other burgees or office flags of the owners or guests aboard the boat. Always remember to group the burgees and offices together.   For example, you should expect to see the Ventnor YC burgee with a Commodore flag under it followed by the Bristol YC burgee with the CBYCA Delegate flag under it if the Ventnor Commodore and the Bristol Delegate or Alternate were aboard that boat. To put the flags and burgees in the right order, remember “place higher in order of rank” and   “higher in order of most to least represented”. For example, club office flags of any rank are flown above the Past Commodore Flag because Past Commodore is a personal flag vs. the many represented by a club office flag.   Another example is that DRYL, PRYCA, CCC and CBYCA flags, representing regional organizations, would be flown above club burgees.   An NBF flag, representing a national organization, would be flown above CCC and CBYCA flags. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules. Also be aware of additional rules of other organizations such as the U.S. Power Squadrons and Coast Guard Auxiliary. For detailed flag guidance, there are many good references such as CHAPMANS and the U.S. Power Squadrons guide.

Naval etiquette for men or women permits salutes only in uniform and only when covered (i.e. when a hat is worn). When uncovered in uniform or in civilian attire, proper naval etiquette requires coming to attention but no salute. When uncovered in uniform or when in civilian attire, salute the U.S. Flag with hand over heart.

There is a strong desire by many to salute the Bridge (or Quarterdeck) Officer during a yacht club ceremony, hat or no hat. Among many Chesapeake Bay area clubs, it has become acceptable, when in uniform, to salute the Bridge Officer when “Coming Aboard” during indoor ceremonies where hats are not worn. Host clubs desiring greater formality with strict adherence to naval etiquette should remind their guests in invitations and flyers that representing officials in uniform are requested to wear hats during introductions. On such occasions, host club officer(s) manning the Bridge also should be wearing hats to properly receive the salutes. Those who are not comfortable with salutes can show respect to the host club by pausing at attention for a moment at the appropriate spot. Never respond with a salute unless one is given to you.

General Etiquette

When attending or participating in any club event, the chief thing to keep in mind either as a visitor or club member is to act with courtesy and respect to others.   There are times when we wish to mark a special occasion though certain customs, traditions, and protocols.   Even if some of these things may be “old hat” to you personally, keep in mind that each ceremony we attend is special and unique to the host club, its organizers, and honored guests and that we should always work together to ensure the occasion is the best it can be for everyone involved.  Please consider the following points next time you attend a function:

• When someone is speaking, be quiet and attentive to the speaker.  If you must carry on a conversation during a speech, withdraw from the ceremony area.   Although everyone is anxious and antsy by the time the Commodore speaks, remember that this is a special and unique moment for the host club and its members. On the other hand, we are there to celebrate fun and good fellowship on the water which means a certain amount of conversation and “carrying-on” is fine as long it does not detract from, delay, or disrupt the ceremony.
• Always dress appropriately for the occasion, especially if you will be part of the ceremony. If you are wearing a yacht club traditional or blazer uniform, ensure it is complete and properly worn. For example, there should be no shirttails out and no mismatched clothing such as a uniform shirt with gym pants or shorts. Never insult the host club or embarrass your own club by being introduced and rendering honors in sloppy, inappropriate, or improper attire. Only in the most unusual circumstances, such as fighting a boat fire (this really happened at Bodkin YC during their 2000 Flag Raising) is there a good excuse not to look your best.
• If you want to make a humorous gesture or demonstration, check with the folks running the ceremony first. It is very rude to do what you want without first checking with the host.  Act with restraint. This is a judgment area. The more far out you are the more likely you might offend some of the folks in attendance.   For presentations at the podium of a plaque, burgee, etc., you need not check with the hosts first unless you are planning something extreme.  When in doubt, ask first.
• BE ON TIME. Allow time to register – the hosts are working hard to keep things organized. Be at the starting line when needed. Don’t make the hosts have to herd you into position. If you are late, never demand special consideration. The hosts will line you up at their convenience and in their way, not yours. There is no alphabetical precedence for late arrivals.
• NO LAST MINUTE SPECIAL REQUESTS.   For example, if you have to speak or be introduced out of order, work it out with the host club well ahead of time.
•  Host clubs must START ON TIME AND KEEP THE CEREMONY MOVING, especially if there are multiple events that day at different clubs that many of the guests will be attending. In turn, if the events are reasonably scheduled and coordinated, guests should stay for the entire ceremony. Try to remain, to the maximum practical extent (it can get hot and nature calls), in the VIP seating area until the ceremony is over.

Uniforms and Attire

In addition to guidance found the CBYCA yearbook and other sources, keep the following pointers in mind:

• Shorts:   Shorts can be part of the traditional yacht club uniform. Dress shorts are acceptable for men or women as long as they match the rest of the uniform (color, texture, weave, material, etc.). They should have belt loops and pockets and be worn with a white uniform belt and buckle. If your club likes cuffed uniform shorts, then all should wear cuffed shorts – no mixing. Most of the worlds Navies have a shorts uniform (the Brits look especially sharp) and the U. S. Navy has had it from time to time. Whatever your club chooses to do, make every effort to have your representatives match each other (unless they are dressed in the uniform of another organization). An exception to this is that men may wear long pants while women wear shorts or skirts. However, on such an occasion, the women should match each other (i.e. shorts OR pants OR skirts – no mixing).
• Skirts:  For women, skirts are always appropriate and are preferred for formal occasions with ankle length skirts worn for the most formal occasions.
• Non-traditional uniforms:  Clubs with non-traditional yacht club uniforms (e.g. blazers and slacks) may elect to follow the same rules and protocols (e.g. saluting and hat, no hat – if your club uniform has a hat) as clubs with traditional naval style uniforms. Otherwise, they should follow “civilian” protocols.
• Civilian Attire:  Normal civilian protocols always apply, even if you are a part of the ceremony. Men remove hats indoors, during the National Anthem, and memorial for the departed. No saluting unless you really feel it is appropriate.       If you are introduced and “come aboard” as part of the ceremony, you should be dressed in appropriate attire that is respectful of the host club and the ceremony. Civilians “coming aboard” should use the hand over heart salute for the ensign and pause at attention before the OOD. To avoid awkwardness, you may wish to “request permission to come aboard”, after which the OOD responds with “come aboard”.
• Uniform of the Day:  Your Commodore or senior officer attending determines your club uniform of the day and should ensure that your club wears attire that is appropriate and respectful. Except when an individual is dressed to match the uniform of another organization, your club representatives should match each other to the maximum extent practical.
• Cover and Caps:    All persons in uniform should have a cover (hat) which conforms to the uniform. IE: Man’s Uniform + Man’s Cover, Woman’s Uniform + Ladies Cap.  Covers and caps are worn equally outdoors and when given commands to un-cover/cover.  It is established that women customarily wear hats within buildings, such as at religious ceremonies or services and at public gatherings or social events indoors and this follows in military traditions as in civilian life.  A woman’s hat or cover is considered part of her dress and is not removed, except when work or other labors would so dictate such as in a classroom or where it would be an encumbrance to perform a task.
• Feel comfortable also to wear some other form of garment or cover at various types of religious service which may require a shawl, vale or removal of foot wear.   The military conforms to custom as long as it does not affect the mission.

Honor Guard Salute in Group

Only the senior person in the group returns the honor guard salute.   The reasons for the senior person only salute to an honor guard are: 1) Salutes, as a matter of courtesy, are always returned,   2) As each yacht club group passes through, the honor guard is rendering honor to the organization, not the individuals passing through, 3)   The senior person acts on behalf of the organization, and   4) The individuals passing through form a unit representing their organization – the senior person acts on behalf of the unit (e.g. like an army platoon leader saluting on behalf of his platoon). This interpretation is also consistent with the commonly practiced yacht club custom that only the senior officer salutes the bridge while the rest of the group lines up, followed by a step forward out of formation where each individual salutes when introduced and recognized.

Please note that the senior person holds the salute until exiting the Honor Guard formation. The Honor Guard holds the salute until the last person in the organization has exited the Honor Guard formation. Under no circumstances should the Honor Guard drop their salute before the senior person has dropped their salute.

Coming Aboard and Rendering Honors

Another yacht club custom (often used for Opening Day/Flag Raising), which reflects nautical and naval traditions, is the approach to the Bridge to render honors.   The speakers stand, usually near the yardarm when outdoors, represents the Bridge (or Quarterdeck) of the host club where the Officer of the Deck (OOD) is standing watch. In yacht club ceremonies, the OOD is the officer who accepts and returns salutes and other courtesies as well as granting the visitors the traditional permission to come aboard.   The OOD is usually not the Master of Ceremonies because it is awkward to run the show and also be in it. At opening ceremonies, the OOD is usually the Commodore.

The typical yacht club ceremony follows the naval tradition of coming aboard ship where the ensign (U.S. Flag) is saluted at the top of the gangway, and then the OOD is saluted with a request for permission to come aboard. Unlike when passing as a group through the honor guard, all salute (if covered and in uniform) the ensign because ranks are temporarily broken to “cross the gangway”. The unit reforms on the Bridge (or Quarterdeck) to be introduced by the senior officer. The individual does not salute until they called from ranks to be recognized. If not in uniform, a person may salute the ensign with hand over heart or by pausing, facing the ensign, and coming to attention.   The group salute often seen at the end of a visiting club introduction and remarks is a formal rendering of honors from a group in formation and provides for a graceful (hopefully) and ceremonious exit.   The group salute is reminiscent of the naval tradition of “manning the rails” where passing ships exchange group salutes of crewmembers assembled at attention on the side facing a passing ship or place of honor.   The senior officer of the group leads the salute with the words “XYZ Yacht Club, Hand Salute”. The group salutes in unison on the word “salute”.   The senior officer then says “Ready, two” On the word “two” the group drops salute, turns and heads toward the beverage cooler.

Precedence of  Officers

The line up of officers is as follows:

• Vice Commodore
• Rear Commodore
• Fleet Captain
• Fleet Chaplain
• Fleet Surgeon
• Senior Board Member -to- Junior Board Member
• Immediate Past Commodore
• Most Senior Past Commodore -to- Most Junior Past Commodore

Past Commodores should line up and be introduced oldest to newest. The Immediate Past Commodore (IP/C) should be last.   However, many clubs introduce the IP/C after current officers because the IP/C is a current Board Member.

• Environment

Richmond Confidential

‘Dames at Sea’: Female sailors race in Amazing Grace Cheney Regatta

Chan'Cellore Makanjuola on November 22, 2019

Seventeen sailboats with female-led crews raced across choppy seas of the San Francisco Bay in the Third Annual Amazing Grace Cheney Cup hosted by the Richmond Yacht Club this month.  

The November 4 race, or regatta as it’s known in sailing, honors Grace Cheney, a club member who passed away in 2016, as a way to help female sailors get together.

Sporting a red cap, life jacket, and black coastal trousers, was Cinde Lou Delmas, a lifelong sailor, who has been a member of Richmond Yacht Club since 2011. Delmas, who sails often throughout the week, said her boat’s name, “Another Girl,” is a reminder of her childhood sailing trips with her father, and her life among all-female siblings.

“So the name came because every time my mom had a baby, the doctor would come out and say: ‘It’s another girl!’ Four times, four daughters, so dad named the boat ‘Another Girl.’” She said her current boat was around the seventh or eighth version of “Another Girl.” A red flag with a printed female paper doll cutout in the center was the logo for the “Another Girl” team. The boat, an Alerion Express 38 model, sported a green finish that Delmas matched with her green lipstick and nail polish.  It took to sea with a crew of five other women, each with decades of sailing experience.  Delmas’ Portuguese Water Dog, Xunaan Ha (which she translated as “Goddess of the Water”), roamed the boat in her own yellow life jacket.

“If you’re a Navy kid, you’ve been sailing your whole life,” said Susie Hodges, friend of Delmas, and member of the Richmond Yacht Club. “My dad, my brothers, and my uncles, they were all Navy. And we could sail from the time we could walk.”

Based in Point Richmond, the Richmond Yacht Club formed in 1932 as a group giving local sailors a chance to spend time together and teach those in the community how to sail. Almost 90 years later, members say the club’s mission still holds the same values. It’s unlike other yacht clubs where “it’s all about money and how rich you are,” said Suzie Koide, a Richmond Yacht Club member who sailed in the sailboat, “Encore,” with her husband for the Grace Cheney Cup. “Here it’s really about sailing and racing, and so that’s what I love about it.”

The Amazing Grace Cheney Cup is open to all sailors who are members or invited guests of the club. The rules of the competition state that those operating the boats must be women.

Sandy Andersen, a member of the nearby Oakland Yacht Club, whom Koide invited to participate, said she appreciates Richmond Yacht Club’s gender inclusiveness. “Richmond Yacht Club has a reputation for supporting women sailors,” she said.

The sport got a boost on the big screen this year from the documentary, “ Maiden ,” a 2019 film about the first all-female sailing crew to compete in the 1989 Whitbread Around the World Race.  Competitors in the Cheney regatta recommended the film for anyone looking to learn more about sailing, especially for female-led crews.  

Andersen said she hopes that future sailing events will include more people of color, especially children. “I want those children to have the same opportunity that white kids have,” she said. “[Sailing] is a wonderful thing, [and] kids learn how to sail so easily, to harness nature.”  Addressing what the experience does for a child growing up, she added, “Yeah, it’s phenomenal.”

A horn blasted right at noon, signaling the start of the race. Crews set sail toward the Bay Bridge, passing Alcatraz Island, with a clear blue sky and stunning view of the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop.

Around 1 p.m., the wind slowed and “Another Girl” came to a standstill — with a reporter for Richmond Confidential aboard — swaying every now and then with the waves. Delmas explained the rule in sailing competitions is, no motors or you’re out, unless for emergency reasons. Instead, the women maneuvered ropes, known as sheets, in order to get the sails positioned just right for the wind, and waited patiently until it picked up speed.

For those who suffer from sea sickness, eating something salty or sipping sparkling water may help. The sailors ate sandwiches, cheese, cookies, fruit, drank sparkling water or sipped wine to last the nearly three-hour race out at sea. Crew members gasped as a seal surfaced from the glittering water, with some spotting a small dolphin fin in the distance. Occasionally, larger wildlife appear. Delmas said she has even seen whales while sailing on the bay.

Delmas exchanged friendly banter with other sailors as her boat drew near, even helping to tow along the boat of Richmond Yacht Club President Simon Winer, known as the Commodore, and another small boat that had issues tacking, or turning the boat in another direction, and getting back to the dock.

“Another Girl” reached the dock a little after 3:30 pm., finishing in 14 th place. That didn’t dampen spirits, as Delmas congratulated her teammates on a job well done. She was excited to get back to the Richmond Yacht Club for the after-party, where she and her crew would join other competitors to honor the winners.

Finishing in first place, with a time of 2:06:11, was a sailboat called, “Mansplaining.”

 That spirit seems far from her experiences as a young girl, when Delmas says she and her sister weren’t even allowed to enter certain rooms of a different yacht club, just because they were girls.

“It’s our turn,” she said. “It’s girl power now.”

Featured image: Cinde Lou Delmas steering her sailboat, “Another Girl.” Photo by Chan’Cellore Makanjuola.

This article has been updated to correct details of whale spotting.

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Nice article! Thanks! Though I came down from the Puget Sound area to sail with Cinde Lou in the Grace Cheney Regatta, and that’s where I’ve had whales, dolphins, and sea lions swim beside my boat for a few minutes. Cinde said she’s seen whales in the San Francisco area–even made eye contact!

It was great having you on the boat Chan’Cellore! I hope you can make sailing a part of your life. Suzanna Leigh

Wow! Finally I got a webpage from where I be able to truly get useful information regarding my study and knowledge.

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RYC hosts a variety of racing events that attract sailors from the local area and beyond. These range from local, regional, national and often world championship regattas for both keelboats and dinghies to weekly “beer can” races in the summer and monthly small boat midwinters. Beer Can Course Information

Beer Can Registration

Other Racing - Member Results

RYC members participate in many races hosted by other clubs and organizations. We want to know your results.

Click to give us your Results

Download Racing Schedule

2023-2024 Small Boat Midwinters

Intraclub series.

The Intraclub Series consists of 3 fun races on the Bay for RYC members sailing their keelboats. These races usually end with a meet-up for drinks and good conversation.  

Beer Can Series

Dates: Every Wednesday in the months of April through September An RYC member favorite. Enjoy informal racing with your fellow club members followed by burgers and chili in the clubhouse.

Start – Finish

• Starting line is between the platform and the red beacon (piling) on the far side of the channel.
• Finish line is between the platform and the green buoy (killer green) on the near side of the channel.
• Orange Starting line Flag: Round the yellow “Bob Klein” buoy 200 yards north of the Southampton platform to port & back.
• Black Starting line Flag: Round Southampton shoal channel red number 6 to port & back

Starting Sequence

Commercial traffic.

Please monitor radio channel 65 for info from the race deck. In a calm, boats may use motors to avoid traffic and should aid boats without motors. Beer Can Deed of Gift

Radio Controlled Sailboat Racing Series

Dates: Every Thursday evening from April through September All radio-controlled sailboats and interested people are invited to participate in this fun race series. US Sailing Racing Rules along with Appendix E apply. There is a strong Dragon Flight 95 Fleet and an Open Class. 8 – 10 races per evening.   

• Starting/finish line is near the end of A Dock.
• Windward with offset and leeward gate are yellow marks, start/finish line red marks, start/finish line not restricted, twice around.
• First warning 6:00 PM, one-minute audible countdown.

Boat Traffic

• Traffic in the harbor includes boats returning from a sail on the Bay and High School practice. “Bigger boat rule” applies: RC race is delayed a few seconds, or the race is abandoned to let the big boats through.

For More Information

• Contact Gene Harris.

There are many other races in the region hosted by other organizations that are often of interest to our members. Below are a few links to follow for more information.

• Latitude 38 Race Calendar – Latitude 38 publishes the annual racing calendar for the Bay Area This calendar can be viewed and downloaded here . A printed copy is available in our clubhouse lobby.
• Singlehanded Sailing Society (SSS) – The SSS focus is on single- and double-handed events, the most notable being the Three Bridge Fiasco in January, when upwards of 300 boat compete. More information here .
• YRA of San Francisco Bay – YRA oversees the coordination of all racing on SF Bay and sponsors several series for one-design and handicap fleets and for ocean racing. More information  here .
• Lipton Cup – a competition between 10 Bay Area yacht clubs in matched J22 sailboats. The 2021 event is hosted jointly by South Beach YC and Encinal YC the weekend of June 18-20. RYC won the 2019 Lipton Cup. More information  here .

Further information on local racing is available at other yacht clubs’ websites and through one-design fleet organizations.

• Regatta Archives
• Race Volunteers
• Race Photos

Yacht Club Officer Flags, 12″ X 18″ All Styles

$ 23.92 – $ 40.02

Yacht Club Officer’s flag.  100% nylon with either embroidered, appliqued, or printed design made to exacting specifications.  You can use these flags indoors or out.  Each flag is finished with canvas heading with brass grommets.

Make sure you check out the other boat flags and boat pennants we have listed within the store.

Description

Additional information.

• Reviews (0)

Annin Flagmakers brings you a prestigious collection of Yacht Club Officer Flags, meticulously crafted to embody elegance and honor. These flags are the perfect way to showcase the distinguished positions within your yacht club. Each flag measures 12″x18″ and is meticulously finished with a canvas heading and grommets, ensuring easy attachment and a polished appearance.

To exemplify the utmost distinction, the Commodore, Vice Commodore, and Rear Commodore flags are skillfully embroidered, showcasing intricate details that command attention. The embroidery adds a touch of refinement and showcases the importance of these key positions within your yacht club. Annin Flagmakers’ expert artisans bring years of experience to create these beautifully crafted symbols of authority.

Furthermore expert dyeing creates vibrant, rich colors for Past Commodore, Fleet Captain, Secretary, and Treasurer flags, symbolizing esteemed roles. The dye process creates lasting, captivating hues that honor those who served in influential positions. These flags reflect the dedication and commitment of individuals who have made significant contributions to your yacht club’s success.

For the Port Captain, Quartermaster, Measurer, Surgeon, and Chaplain flags, Annin Flagmakers partners with Eder Flag Company, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. These flags seamlessly integrate with the rest of the collection, maintaining the same level of quality and attention to detail. Rather our collaboration ensures each flag in the Yacht Club Officer Flags collection meets the highest standards of excellence.

These flags proudly symbolize the authority and responsibility of each officer, whether displayed at a ceremony, regatta, or headquarters. Annin Flagmakers’ Yacht Club Officer Flags embody your club’s legacy, values, and traditions, going beyond mere decoration.

Additionally recognized for its commitment to superior quality and exceptional craftsmanship, Annin is a trusted name in flag manufacturing. Annin Flagmakers’ pride lies in producing flags that exceed expectations and become cherished symbols worldwide.

In conclusion, Annin Flagmakers’ Yacht Club Officer Flags honor positions of authority with exquisitely crafted flags. Embroidered flags for Commodore, Vice Commodore, and Rear Commodore, and dyed flags for Past Commodore, Fleet Captain, Secretary, and Treasurer symbolize vital roles. Eder Flag Company’s expertise elevates the Port Captain, Quartermaster, Measurer, Surgeon, and Chaplain flags, exemplifying excellence. Lastly choose Annin Flagmakers for attention-commanding, admirable yacht club officer flags that uphold your organization’s esteemed values.

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Sunday Laser Series - Richmond Yacht Club

The Richmond Yacht Club Sunday Laser Series is short course dinghy racing for the winter. Racing starts at 1300 and ends at 1500 most Sunday afternoons, except when the RYC Midwinters are scheduled. Racing is held inside the breakwater, immediately outside, or in Keller Cove depending on where conditions are best. Adult participants are asked to donate $10 per day or $60 for the series. All donations go to support the RYC Juniors. You will also need to sign a waiver the first day you race. If you need a boat, boat storage, or have any questions please contact the Sunday Organizer.

The series is run by RYC Junior Program to help build the competition level of the RYC Junior participants. Adult participants are asked to remember that this is a learning environment while they are having fun on the race course.

Donations & Waivers

A spreadsheet of who has signed a waiver and how much they have donated.

File Photo: Winter 2013-14

Sailing at ryc.

• When launching your boat, store your dolly on the far edge of the walkway beside the long aluminum ramp. Ensure that other dinghies and people can still pass through the walkway.
• Please restrict trailer storage and boat staging to the parking lot where you first come into RYC.
• If you want to store your boat overnight at RYC it is imperative that you clear it with the harbormaster first.

Here is a map of RYC with staging, launching, and dolly storage areas indicated. Adherence to these basic rules will ensure that we continue to be welcome at RYC. If you have questions about anything, please contact the Sunday Organizer.

Happy birthday to the Richmond County Yacht Club: 100 years and still going strong | Inside Out

• Published: Jun. 04, 2023, 10:04 a.m.
• Carol Ann Benanti | [email protected]

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at [email protected]­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­m.

Richmond County Yacht Club: Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon (second from left) and other special guests join the Flag Officers and Board of Governors at the 100th anniversary of the club. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Saturday afternoon rain in no way dampened the spirits of nearly 200 members of the Richmond County Yacht Club, elected officials, dignitaries and special guests who were all on hand for the centennial commemorative and Opening Day Ceremony of the club’s 100th season.

‘It was all hands on deck” said Patrick Donahue, a member of the club, before adding that the heartwarming observance not only honored our country and blessed the fleet, but also paid tribute to members present and those lost, and raised the flags of their new officers.

Commodore Robert Kafel and Amy Michetti. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

“The club was honored with the presence of Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon who presented a proclamation in honor of this milestone,” he added.

“For a century now, Richmond County has been blessed to have this family-oriented yacht club, dedicated to promoting all forms of boating, continuing Staten Island’s traditions of connecting to our waters, and to providing a unique social atmosphere for our residents,” noted District Attorney McMahon, who issued a formal Proclamation in memory of the day.

Commodore Robert Kafel, Amy Michetti and family and Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

Along with the district attorney, proclamations were also sent by State Senator Andrew Lanza, and Borough President Vito Fossella, who proclaimed May 20, 2023 as Richmond County Yacht Club Day on Staten Island.

Representatives were also in attendance from the offices of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, and a City Council citation was sent by Councilman Joseph Borelli.

Officers representing the Staten Island Sail & Power Squadron and several other New York and New Jersey yacht clubs were also in attendance, Donahue added.

2022 Commodore Maureen Murphy presents the Commodores Flag to 2023 Commodore Robert Kafel. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

“This is an exciting time to be a part of Richmond County Yacht Club.” said current Commodore Rob Kafel. “Our members have risen together from the devastation caused by hurricane Sandy. They persevered through the tremendous task of rebuilding, and now enjoy our beautiful new and expanded clubhouse. Our numbers are also coming back, with more than a dozen new families joining so far this year. We continue to have open houses and schedule tours, and new applications are coming in each week.”

From the left, members Gerry Coughlan, Liz Barnes, and Andrew DeSalvo enjoy the more quiet atmosphere of the upstairs lounge area at the club. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

“The ceremony was followed by a lively celebration of community and fellowship,” Donahue continued. “The selection of food was abundant, and the bars on both floors were open. Musical entertainment was provided by The Boatmen, a band comprised of RCYC members.”

Entertainment was provided by The Boatmen, a group that emerged from informal Wednesday night jam sessions at the club. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

New member Joseph Lane remarked, “In only a few months the club and the friends we have made here have become a wonderful part of our lives, and we don’t have a boat. About a quarter of the members are social members like us, because there are always so many fun activities and events.”

Some of the members of the Tuesday night yoga class gather for a selfie at the celebration. (Courtesy/RCYC) Staten Island Advance

And when asked to comment, RCYC members say they are anticipating even more exciting times in the next 100 years.

ABOUT THE RICHMOND COUNTY YACHT CLUB

The club that was established in 1923, is a family oriented yacht club dedicated to promoting all forms of boating and to provide a social atmosphere for members.

The Richmond County Yacht Club is located on the South shore of Staten Island on the Western Shore of Great Kills Harbor.

According to the Richmond County Yacht Club website, the club has a long, deep water pier with 40 berths, providing the usual shore side water and electrical service, storage for small boats, sunfish, kayaks and auxiliary dinghies storage either in the water, on floats or upland.

For the small boats stored upland, there is an electric hoist for launching.

The tender service is scheduled to run from May through October, serving members with boats on moorings in the harbor. They also have equipment for hauling and placing moorings.

Also provided is an active junior sailing program which teaches children to sail during the summer months.

The newly renovated club house and deck area are open 12 months a year with spectacular views of Great Kills Harbor and serves as the center of social activities.

There are also summer deck parties and inside winter parties.

The club is only one block away from MTA bus routes.

The Richmond County Yacht Club is located at 142 Mansion Ave.

For additional information on the RCYC phone 718 356-4120 or email [email protected]

CELEBRATIONS - JUNE 4 TO JUNE 10

The happiest of birthdays Sunday to former Staten Island First Lady, Joan Cusack and to her twin sister, Rosemarie Liccardiello, former special assistant to Vito Fossella.

Birthday greetings Sunday also go to Rob Bailey, D. Lansing Parker, Kevin J. Collins, Mehghan Limato, Steve DiGennaro, Gina Hoffman who turns 59, Jack Rosenthal and Nicole Tagliamonti.

Happy wedding anniversary Sunday to Lucy and Ellis Krone, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Karen Costa, and Nelly and Vincent James Dugan.

The best of birthdays Monday to Dr. Philip Otterbeck, a Sunnyside endocrinologist, to Corey Zelkowitz, Marilyn Bacci, Krystal Green, Eileen Schwab and Michael Elwell.

Tuesday is birthday time for Cristina Sperrazza, Kari Fessler, Robert McDonald, Alphonse Giordano, Kerry Wallen who’s now 26, Jim Kriegl, Ralph Marroco, Alisa Pocsta and Matthew Galetta.

Birthday wishes Tuesday go to Ada Cllinchot and her daughter, Vanessa Clinchot.

Happy birthday Wednesday to Gabriella Leandro, John Watson, Katie Weglarz and Joe Donohue. ¶

Wednesday is also wedding anniversary time for Josie and John Nappi.

Heading the birthday list Thursday is Charlie Greinsky, who turns 72 and a native Staten Islander, Mary Kinzel, Sal D’Agostino, Chris DiGregorio, Wayne King, Marissa Pessolano, Kimberly Gaugh and Evelyn Pardellas.

Happy wedding anniversary Thursday to Diane and Bob Tyson.

Friday is birthday time for Dan Elliot, Karen O’Shea, Joe DiGiacomo, Stephen Zimmer, Robert Trocciola of Tottenville, twins Christopher and Anthony Antonacci, Donna Klien, Carl Sciabarra, Anita ‘Sis” Romano, Rose McGibbon and Fred Sklenar III.

Wedding anniversary wishes are in order Friday for Bob and Jill Bowers.

The best of birthdays Saturday to Patty Haggerty, Christopher and Joseph Viola who turn 25, Marie Lanahan, Carl Schlichtinger, Linda Kaplan, Johanna C. Abbruzzese and Jenna Pillarella.

Happy wedding anniversary Saturday to Michelle and Greg DeBiase and to Kathleen and George Petersen.

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