the annapolis yacht club

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Annapolis Yacht Club

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

We had a wonderful meal at AYC last evening. Our server was gracious and knowledgable. She paced our meal perfectly. The drinks were excellent. The Cream of crab soup and oysters Rockefeller were delicious. Our entrees of salmon, soft shell crabs (3), and scallops were... beyond perfection. And the view of Spa Creek from our table was to die for! If you are fortunate enough to belong, receive reciprocity as a visiting member from another yacht club (as we were), or be a guest of a member, you are certain to experience an unparalleled dining experience! More

Had dinner here on a Friday evening before a Navy football game. The lobster bisque soup was great. I had the salmon entree which was also very good. The restaurant was totally full and service was somewhat slow. We were fine with that as not... pressed for time on pleasant Friday evening. View of bay also very nice. More

We had the special Friday night - prime rib. The Queen size was huge. Magnificent cut. Prepared perfectly. Very attentive waitress. Great vodka gimlets as well. Kudos to the bartender too!

I am appalled at the presence of a private club on this site. I am further appalled that some members and guests have rated it a “5” so many times that it’s now in the Top Ten in Annapolis. I can’t get in there. About... 99.999% of the readership of this site will never be able to judge the quality of Annapolis Yacht Club for themselves. Why? Because it’s a private club. I’ve lived in Annapolis since 2003, and have been in there twice, once for a wedding in 2004 and once when I volunteered to help out on a regatta hosted by the club. The food and drink were okay but nothing spectacular. Staff can be snooty, especially if you have the impertinence to not remove your hat upon crossing the threshold. If you want an excellent meal with a great view and what is truly the best Cream of Crab soup in the area, go to Carrol’s Creek on the other side of Spa Creek. Or walk down another block or two and dine at the Chart House. You might need reservations at either place, but you don’t need a membership card. More

I walked in there because my husband had a corporate party at this place same day, few hours earlier. I talked to three people, got a table and even a chair for my 7-month old when they announced that I need to be a member... to dine there. I complained to the manager and they kicked me out with an infant on my hands anyway!!! No apology, no empathy. Never been so embarrassed. Shame on you, the yacht club! More

A private, exclusive club but feel free (as far as I'm concerned) to show up and demand a table. For those of you who aren't familiar, for about a ten grand entrance fee plus a few thou a year you too can join the prestigious... AYC. If you enjoy rubbing shoulders with a bunch of blue blazer wearing, WASPy, ascot sporting Stuffy Stuffersons, this is your place. In fairness, the view is nice and crab soup is divine. Happy sailing. More

This is a members-only club and we were able to use it through reciprocity with another club. First of all, the club has a breathtaking view of historic Annapolis and the harbor! We had drinks in the lower (first level) bar and dining room, and... then had dinner in the upper dining room. Same menu in both areas. I had the fresh fish special and my wife had the crab cakes--both were prepared perfectly and were outstanding dishes. The service and wine list matched the quality of the food! With the view, setting, and outstanding food, not sure that this venue can be beat in Annapolis! More

The AYC has the best food, service and ambiance in Annapolis - and has for many years. We shared the Oysters Rockefeller - a favorite of ours. For the main course, my wife had the salmon, and I had the Filet Mignon. For dessert, I... forget what we had, but I remember that it was great. Also, they serve a brown bread as part of their bread course, and it's always my favorite. We love the view on the 2nd deck, but it's even better on the 3rd deck, which is where we ate this time. More

Beautiful location within easy walking distance of town center. Great bar downstairs and upstairs dining room had wonderful views. You would will experience great seafood here. Local fish prepared perfectly

Was here over the weekend with friends that are members. For those of you that have been to private clubs, you know the drill. Same prime rib and stuffed baked potatoes. (Do they still make those)? Anyway, that is not the case here. This venue... is at the top of their game! Yes being a private club it can be a little stuffy, however, the staff does not make you feel that way. The view is the best in Annapolis and the menu had a very nice selection from seafood to chops etc.....You will actually dine here and not be rushed out the door. Also the dress code is business casual so that takes the edge off of the typical old world club atmosphere. My advice.......make friends with a member! More

Along with beautiful views, AYC offers excellent service at multiple bars and dining rooms. Vast menu; salads, soups, seafood, lighter fare, etc.

Service very good. Food is always fresh and delicious. Wine selection terrific. Bar downstairs was lively.

My wife and I shared the Oyster's Rockefeller - the best I've ever had, anywhere. For the main course, she had the crab cakes - always a winner for years & years. I had the wasabi tuna, which is a favorite of mine. For dessert,... we shared the Smith Island cake. We'll definitely return, as you can't beat the food and the service. Once we're back in our "home' location, you won't be able to beat the view either. More

Even though the view is not quite as good from the temporary location, the service is still excellent and the food was great. Parking out front was easy the evening we went. We were seated right away even though we arrived early. The cream of... crab soup was outstanding as were the crab cakes! My guests really enjoyed it. More

Had Easter Sunday brunch and it was perfect. Lots of food stations so no waiting in lines and a huge selection of quality food beautifully presented. The wait staff were all friendly and quick to remove plates and refill glasses. Could not have been better!

ANNAPOLIS YACHT CLUB - Restaurant Reviews & Photos - Tripadvisor

• Atmosphere: 4.5

Annapolis Yacht Club

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2 Compromise St

Annapolis, MD 21401

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What a great place to have a unique dining experience in the States capital. I was invited to dine with a colleague who is a member. The service was superb. The seafood was fresh and the mixed drinks were well balanced. The lobster I had was very good. It was fresh and very filling with the sides it came with. The decor of the restaurant is nautical. It ober looks a local marina. Great place for drinks and or dinner.

Lobster Dinner with sides

What goes on at the yacht club* stays at the yacht club, lol. The views and food are delicious; but don't even think of just pulling up or parking- It's members only.

Had a birthday lunch here with a fairly big table of 12. Service was good, but food came out lukewarm, probably due to our large party. Ordered the fried oysters to start and the crab cake sandwich. Oysters were OK, a little more breading on the smaller than normal oysters. Crab cake was good, not much filler. A little smaller than I expected, but tasty. The fries were just OK, probably tastes better hot. Some of the salads got rave reviews (peach/burrata and Chesapeake Cobb), so maybe that will be an option another time.

This place is the temporary home for the Annapolis Yacht Club. The original building at 2 Compromise Street several minutes away caught on fire Dec 12,2015, after a Christmas Tree with built in light set a blaze, and burned down. Right now it's being rebuilt. This is a private club, great for sailing . I came here for a 60th Anniversary Party. The room itself is long, with two levels. There was a bar at the far corner of the room , and there were two long tables with appetizers for the cocktail hour. Two steps down was the seating area with tables of 6 and 8. This was a sit down buffet dinner. For the Cocktail hour I started with Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Horseradish Cocktail Sauce. Next was the Baked Brie in Pastry with nuts and crackers, Raw Oysters with a Mignonette Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce. Hot hors d'oeuvres were being passed like Mini Stuffed Egg Rolls and dipping sauce, Mini Crab Cakes , Chicken Satay with dipping peanut sauce. My favorite was the Mini Crab Cakes and Oysters. Everything was so fresh. For dinner, at the first station I had Rare Prime Rib with a homemade Horseradish Sauce, Fresh Asparagus, and a Potato Galante. Next I moved over to the Pasta Station. I had a choice of Angel Hair, Penne, or tri-colored Tortellini.There was also a choice of veggies and fillers. You could have Alfredo Sauce or Marinara . I chose Angel Hair Pasta with sautéed Spinach, Onions, Mushrooms , Red and Yellow Peppers, Zucchini I had them mix the Alfredo and Marinara Sauce to make Pomarosa sauce. The portion was huge. My pasta was delicious and my prime rib was cooked perfectly. The Cesar Salad was served directly to each of us at the tables. There was an open bar, and a piano Player for music. Afterwards a large custom made Anniversary Cake, Coffee and Tea was served. All in all this was a beautiful event and the food was really good. I must say the staff was very professional, and very attentive. This is a lovely place to hold an event or party. Especially with views of Spa Creek and the boats. There is free parking in the lot for guests. During the week the Annapolis Yacht Club is open for lunch , and dinner. Friday's they have happy hour.

See all photos from Donna R. for Annapolis Yacht Club

No manners. I contacted the event coordinator, Roberta, to inquire about hosting our wedding there. I was told - quite coldly - that the space is for members only. One website indicated that the club offers weekly memberships - so, naturally, I responded with an inquiry about said membership. The response was, "we ABSOLUTELY do not have weekly memberships. There is a 5 year wait list." Yikes . . . how dare a mere mortal such as myself make such an inquiry? I suggested that she approach such inquiries with a bit more grace and patience. Let's hope she takes heed.

So, armed with a Letter of Introduction from my home yacht club (also listed in the Yachting Clubs of America, just like the Annapolis Yacht Club), I was told that reciprocity would not be honored for a day pass just for dining. I couldn't even get a phone call returned from the manager asking about the situation. Bad form. If you can get past the front door of this place, you'll be doing better than I did. Hard pass.

My family has been members for years! Always a beautiful evening! Thanksgiving was wonderful my Father, mother, boyfriend as well as myself enjoyed the wide variety of food! Cooked to perfection! With every bite, explodes of flavor! With a wide variety of deserts, from little one bites to a whole peace of pie to choose from. Young and old will be sure to have enjoyed this lavish thanksgiving!

I walked in there because my husband had a corporate party at this place same day, few hours earlier. I talked to three people, got a table and even a chair for my 7-month old when they announced that I need to be a member to dine there. I complained to the manager and they kicked me out with an infant on my hands anyway!!! No apology, no empathy. Never been so embarrassed. Shame on you, the yacht club!

Great service and wonderful food. This city dock location offers beautiful views until the rebuilding of the club is completed. Our lunch included killer shrimp tacos and other diners enjoyed the cream of crab and clam chowder. Cheers

Gorgeous views, great food, great drinks. Been going there for years for events and dinners. Favorites include: Cream of Crab, Calamari, Mussels, and The Skuna Bay Salmon is my favorite dish on the menu. Seafood is phenom. Steaks are great. As well as their manhattans/old fashioned! I'd avoid the sushi (not terrible, there are just menu items and better places in Annapolis for sushi). Finish with the cast iron cookie!

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Annapolis Yacht Club

A local attraction - Charles Carroll House , which is situated beside this restaurant, is a part of the unique culture of this city. Annapolis Yacht Club guarantees you good crab cakes , salmon and crab soup . The wine list is diverse, it can satisfy the needs of all guests. Most visitors state that the staff is appealing. This place is notable for its enjoyable service. It's always good to try something new and enjoy the cool atmosphere. Facebook gives this spot the general score of 4.6 stars.

Best in the city This award is based on the analysis of multiple factors, including reviews, ratings, and user engagement trends on Restaurant Guru.

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Annapolis Yacht Club

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Annapolis Yacht Club 2 Compromise Street Annapolis, MD 21401-1866 (410) 263-9279

Website: http://www.annapolisyc.com/

VISIT AYC'S VIDEOS PAGE

Founded as an informal canoe club in 1883, the Annapolis Yacht Club has built a tradition of excellence.  Our mission is to encourage and support a wide range of boating activities, and to provide and maintain a suitable clubhouse and associated facilities for the recreational and social use of its members.

ANNAPOLIS YACHT CLUB FOUNDATION BECOMES NSHOF FOUNDING MEMBER

From the AYC Foundation President:

The Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation is pleased to announce its decision to be a Founder of the National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis. Our foundation looks forward to the National Sailing Hall of Fame enjoying much succes in the near future. We are pleased to be involved with your effort.

Michael R. Krissoff

Video: Bridging Three Centuries: A Contemporary History of Annapolis Yacht Club.

Take a look at the people, the tradition and the camraderie that make up the community of Annapolis Yacht Club.

About 1 hour.

125 Years on the Water

Humble Beginnings

In 1904, the first records of meetings indicate a membership of 30. In 1910, the first wharfs were built, and the first club manager was hired in 1911 at a salary of $15 a month. Members began to acquire small sail boats and organize club regattas. These were uncomplicated affairs held on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shell and canoe races started up Spa Creek at Old Woman Cove and ended at the Eastport Bridge. There were also swimming races and diving competitions. The club owned several single and double shells, two four-oared shells, and was given an eight-oared shell in 1911 by the US Naval Academy.

A Post-War Renewal

World War I and the depression slowed boating activities until the mid-30s. A hurricane damaged the clubhouse and the wharf was reduced to pilings in 1933 and it was difficult to keep the club’s quota of 100 resident members. By 1936, there seemed to be little interest by members in the club and changes were needed. With renewal in mind, in 1937 the Annapolis Yacht Club was incorporated and the first formal regatta (Annual) was held that year. The Fall Series first year was in 1940 with five boats competing. World War II interrupted organized racing, but in 1946 the Spring Series was started with three classes – 30 Square Meters, Stars and Chesapeake 20s. By 1948, Moths, Comets and Hamptons were also taking part. The Annapolis to Newport Race (Newport to Annapolis back then) started in 1947 and has been run every two years since. A dining room was added to the club in the late 1940s and in 1948, the first Smoking Lamp newsletter appeared as a single page mimeographed sheet.

The Junior Fleet

The junior fleet started in 1948, and the first junior trophy was presented in 1953. The first junior boat, Dolphins, were replaced by Penguins, which were next followed by 420s which the junior fleet still races.

Wednesday Night Races: An Annapolis Tradition

Wednesday Night Races were the brainchild of P/C Gaither Scott. After seeing the Wednesday Night Races at East Greenwich YC in Rhode Island in 1958, Scott inaugurated midweek racing at AYC in 1959. No race committee, no prizes, no scoring but there was a picnic supper after sailing. “S” boats, H-23s, 5.5 meters, Bermuda One Design and Rainbows raced, but interest waned in the mid-60s. To correct this, smaller classes of boats were invited and in 1965 35 boats entered the series. By 1967 112 boats were taking part.

Frostbite Racing

Frostbite racing began in the winter of 1962-1963. Seven Rainbows were the inaugural class with five short races a day, starting and finishing at the club. Gladiators joined Frostbite racing in the fall of 1963 and MORC made the third class in 1964. The first Hangover Bowl (New Year’s Day) was on Jan. 1, 1966.

A Need for Growth

By 1959, membership had risen to 1000 and a new club building was badly needed. This was opened in 1963, with the first deck left unfinished due to lack of funds. Frostbite and Wednesday Night Racing soon demanded more club social space, and the Skipjack Lounge was finished in 1969.

More than a Club...

Today, AYC is at full membership (1600 regular members) with very active social, racing, and cruising programs.  Large international events such as the Star Class World Championship, Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship, and many North American championships are hosted every year at AYC. Harborside is filled with one design boats (J/22s, J/24s, Etchells, Stars, Melges 24) while the in-the-water boat slips are in high demand. AYC is known worldwide thanks to the members who are prominent in participating in, promoting, and organizing the sport of sailboat racing, as well as those who opt to leisurely cruise the waters of the Chesapeake and beyond.

BACK TO YACHT CLUB STORIES PAGE

AYC | Dockage | Accommodations | Provisions | Urgent Care Facilities |  Helpful Information​

Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC)

annapolisyc.com

AYC was founded in 1886 as an informal canoe club. Today, the Club's mission is to encourage and support a wide range of boating activities and to maintain facilities for the recreational and social use of its 2000 members.

The Annapolis Yacht Club is a full service, year-round premier private yacht club that provides high-quality programs for its members. These include sailboat racing, cruising for sailors and power boaters, a vigorous junior sailing program, fun, and educational winter activities, social events, and first-class dining and facilities.

AYC is a prominent fixture in Annapolis, is a good corporate citizen, and provides select opportunities for non-members such as its Junior Sailing program. In addition, AYC's Race Committee supports club racing, regional, national and international championships. AYC members are pleased to welcome these competitors and other visiting yachtsmen to the Clubhouse and sailing facilities.

History Club Guidelines

Race Headquarters: Annapolis

Annapolis Yacht Club

Race Headquarters for the Annapolis Newport Race is at the Sailing Center of the Annapolis Yacht Club located at 510 Severn Avenue, just over the Spa Creek Bridge from the Main Clubhouse. 

Registration, Tracker Pick Up, and Official Race Merchandise will be available at the Sailing Center. Please see the Sailing Instructions for the Registration schedule. 

Guest cards for AYC are available to all non-members visiting the Club for the race. Guest cards will be available and can be organized at the Front Desk of the Main Clubhouse at 2 Compromise Street.  

Dockage and Local Knowledge

Annapolis Dockage

Annapolis City Marina – Spa Creek

Annapolis Yacht Basin- Spa Creek

Horn Point Marina - Back Creek

Eastport Yacht Center - Back Creek

Safe Harbor Annapolis  - Back Creek

Annapolis Landing Marina – Back Creek

Port Annapolis Marina - Back Creek

Bert Jabin’s Yacht Yard – Back Creek

Liberty Marina – South River

For Mooring Information in Annapolis Harbor, contact the Harbormaster 

PORTBOOK - The Source for Annapolis and Newport Marine Services

Local COVID 19 Guidelines

This is not a comprehensive list of all resources, but may be useful​

State of Maryland 

Anne Arundel County

Accommodations

We are working with local hotels on room blocks - please come back to this section after the first of the year.

Local Grocery Stores

Giant Food  – full-service grocery store located in the Bay Forest Shopping Center. 948 Bay Ridge Rd.

Fresh Market  – small grocery store with prepared food selections, located in the Annapolis Harbor Center. 2504 Solomons Island Rd.

Graul’s Market Annapolis  – a small grocery store, excellent sandwiches, and bakery items, located in West Annapolis. 607 Taylor Ave.

Giolitti Italian Delicatessen  – specialty Italian market – prepared foods and sandwiches, wine selection, located across from Whole Foods Market at Annapolis Towne Center. 2068 Somerville Rd.

Whole Foods Market  – gourmet foods grocery store, prepared foods, located at Annapolis Towne Center. 200 Harker Pl Ste. 100

Trader Joe’s Market  – signature grocery items, frozen food selections, located adjacent to Annapolis Mall. 160 F, Jennifer Rd.

Catering/Breakfast and Lunch Options​

Bread and Butter Kitchen  – (410-202-8680) 303 Second St. in Eastport.

Eastport Kitchen  – (410-990-0000) 923 Chesapeake Ave

Wine, Beer & Spirits

Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits  – 111 Hillsmere Dr.

Eastport Liquors  – 1007 Bay Ridge Ave.

Wine Cellars of Annapolis - 1410 Forest Drive

Fawcett Boat Supply  – 919 Bay Ridge Rd.

West Marine  – 113 Hillsmere Dr.

Bacon Sails and Marine Supply  – 116 Legion Ave.

Urgent Care Facilities

Anne Arundel Medical Center Emergency Department

2001 Medical Pkwy

Annapolis, MD 21401

443-481-1000

West Street Medical

79 West Street

443-481-1293

Open 7 days a week 9 am - 5 pm, By appointment only

Patient First

2051 West Street

443-603-0758

Open 7 days a week 8 am - 10 pm, Walk-in

COVID-19 testing available

Righttime Medical Care

2114 Generals Hwy

410-224-6483

Open 7 days a week 8 am - 10 pm, Same-day Appointments recommended         

Helpful Information

Visit Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS TO NEWPORT RACE

Start 1: Friday, June 6

Start 2: saturday, june 7, 2025 dates are set.

OUR MISSION

The Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide grants to amateur sailors competing at the national and international levels. Additionally, we provide grants to maritime-related 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organizations. The Foundation also provides scholarships to underprivileged youth to participate in junior sailing events. More than $1,000,000 has been awarded since 2000 to support sailors and organizations in the mid-Chesapeake area.

AYCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KATHY PARKS, PRESIDENT

Kathy Parks started crewing on large sailboats and later skippered her J22 with all women crews and eventually a J70 with mixed crews. She traveled around the country for regattas including Mid-Winters, North Americans, Key West Race Weeks and two World Championships.

CEDRIC LEWIS, SECRETARY

Cedric Lewis has been a member of AYC since 1994 and an AYC Foundation board member since 2011. After moving to Annapolis in 1977 he joined the Severn Sailing Association (SSA) junior sailing program where he fostered a love for sailing and lifelong friendships. 

DONALD FARNAN

Donald Farnan joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1983 and retired from PwC on July 1, 2021. During his time there, he served and led client teams ranging from two people early in his career to hundreds of team members in audit, tax, and consulting. 

JACKIE ROLLERI

Jackie was introduced to sailing while working as a launch operator and dockmaster at yacht clubs in Connecticut and Rhode Island. After college, Jackie worked as a deckhand aboard mega-yachts in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

ADEN KING, VICE PRESIDENT

Aden King joined the AYC foundation in 2020.  He has been an active member of the local sailing community since 1998 when he moved to Annapolis from Upstate NY.   At that time, he began actively racing J22s and still competes on a local and national level. 

Chip Carr grew up in the Annapolis area and the Annapolis Yacht Club has been part of his family for 70 years. He joined the Club in 1984 and Chip has been on the ACYF Board for 15 years.

JENNIFER NORWOOD

Jennifer Norwood is a 30-year member of the Annapolis Yacht Club and has held many leadership roles at the Club as well as served as flag officer on the Board of Governors from 2018-2023.

JACELYN SWENSON

Jacie Swenson started racing at age 8 and taught sailing during her high school and college summers. She has competed and won regional and national championships in myriad one-design classes. When she's not racing, Jacie enjoys cruising the Chesapeake Bay on Madeline, the 40' Robbins that she owns with her husband, as well as skiing, hiking, running and yoga.

BRAD JULIAN, TREASURER

Brad Julian has been a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club since 2016 and an AYC Foundation board member since 2020. He learned to sail at Severn Sailing Association when his family moved from Southern California to Annapolis at age 13 and quickly began racing in the international 420 class as a junior sailor.

JENNY CRAWFORD

Jenny Crawford is a non-profit professional and has been the Director of Development at The Light House Homeless Prevention and Support Center in Annapolis since 2017.  She and her husband, Stephen, have two young boys, the oldest of whom started on the Annapolis Yacht Club Green Fleet Optimist Race Team in 2022. 

Jim Praley has been a member of the AYCF Board since 2008.  A native of Anne Arundel County, he learned to sail at Indian Landing Boat Club in his early teens and has long enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake and offshore on his own boats and those of tolerant friends. 

AYCF ADVISORY COMMITTEE

COLE ALLSOPP

Cole Allsopp grew up racing dinghies and keel boats in Annapolis. He attended primarily the Severn Sailing Association Junior Program as well as the AYC Junior Program.

JOHN BREMER

John Bremer has over 30 years experience as an engineer and entrepreneur developing innovative solutions in the healthcare services industry domestically and internationally.

MATT SCHUBERT

Matt Schubert has been a member of the AYCF Board for 12 years and served as president from 2018-2023. He grew up in Annapolis and competitively sailed both nationally and internationally in the optimist dinghy out of SSA. 

JILL BENNETT

Jill Bennett joined the AYC Foundation in 2023. She grew up sailing her Laser and racing keelboats with her dad on Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City. She raced J24’s through high school and college then moved to Annapolis to start a career. She figured if the job didn’t work out the sailing would be great.

Ian Burman grew up in Annapolis Maryland and sailing has been a huge part of his life from a young age.  After starting out cruising the Chesapeake with his family, Ian got hooked by one design racing in the El Toro class. 

JENNY BENSON

Jenny Benson is an Eastern Shore local and member of Tred Avon Yacht Club. Over her years of supporting youth sailing, she has directed the Junior Sailing program at her home club, served on the CBYRA Jr Committee, the USODA Board of Directors and the C420 Board of Directors.

FREDRIK SALVESEN

Fredrik Salvesen has been a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club since 1995 and an AYC Foundation Advisory Committee member since 2010. Fredrik learned to sail from his dad who sailed as a kid in Norway.

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When Black boaters faced discrimination on the water, this yacht club became a refuge

Scott Neuman

Commodore Benny McCottry stands outside the entrance of the Seafarers Yacht Club of Annapolis in Annapolis, Md. It was founded more than 60 years ago by a handful of Black boaters. Keren Carrión/NPR hide caption

Commodore Benny McCottry stands outside the entrance of the Seafarers Yacht Club of Annapolis in Annapolis, Md. It was founded more than 60 years ago by a handful of Black boaters.

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — David Turner, whose father and grandfather worked the Chesapeake Bay as crabbers and oystermen, recalls "getting up at the crack of dawn" as a kid to help out on weekends and summers.

"I hated it," he says. Turner's childhood experience on Kent Island left him wanting "nothing to do with the water."

"That's why I went to college," he says.

He also remembers his father and grandfather's stories of racial discrimination they encountered on the bay. "They couldn't get parts," he says. "They couldn't get fuel."

Turner's dislike for the water eventually faded. In fact, as he got older, he found that the Chesapeake Bay was "in my bloodstream." He bought a boat. Then another. Eventually, in 2007, he joined the Seafarers Yacht Club of Annapolis.

The historically Black group of like-minded boaters is what drew him in. "I found a group of people who were serious about boating, serious about the community," he says. "They weren't worried about what they did for a living every day. They were interested in boating and the broader community."

David Turner aboard his boat Savior, at Herrington Harbor South on the Chesapeake Bay, on July 29. Scott Neuman/NPR hide caption

David Turner aboard his boat Savior, at Herrington Harbor South on the Chesapeake Bay, on July 29.

A safe haven for Black boaters

If not for the nautical flagpole out front and the placard next to the entrance, the headquarters of the club, founded in 1959 by a handful of Black boaters, would blend seamlessly into the surrounding houses in the city's Eastport district. In many ways, it's a reflection of the area's history and how attitudes have evolved over time. The Maryland capital was once an infamous slave port, and until the early 1960s, the club's headquarters served as a segregated school for "colored children."

In and around Annapolis at that time, some fuel docks refused to serve Black boat owners, says SYC Commodore Benny McCottry.

"They would have to be creative and say, 'I'm here to get gas for the the boss' or something of that nature," he says. "So people would assume this boat didn't belong to them."

McCottry points to multiple articles written about the Seafarers Yacht Club. Keren Carrión/NPR hide caption

McCottry points to multiple articles written about the Seafarers Yacht Club.

Today, the SYC is one of several yacht clubs started by Black boat owners that still dot the Chesapeake and its tributaries. It is equal parts boating organization, social club and community center. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seafarers have continued to flourish, now boasting about 80 members.

A space for children to learn about the water

On a recent Friday inside the SYC's headquarters, about 40 children wearing matching yellow-and-blue shirts fidget in their seats as they gather for the final day of a two-week youth program. The popular summer curriculum aims to teach an eclectic variety of life skills — from boat handling and fishing to physical fitness.

The children in the Seafarers summer youth program head to the park across the street to stretch and play games. Keren Carrión/NPR hide caption

The children in the Seafarers summer youth program head to the park across the street to stretch and play games.

But on this day, swimming and chess are at the top of the list. The children had been anticipating a cruise on the Chesapeake Bay, but the weather wasn't cooperating.

"Just like in chess, we need to adjust our plan," Vice Commodore Derrick Cogburn announces to the seated kids. Plan B is to watch Queen of Katwe , a film about Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl who rises out of the slums of Kampala to become an international chess star.

The children watch a movie about chess. Keren Carrión/NPR hide caption

The children watch a movie about chess.

Chess, Cogburn tells the children, can help them learn discipline, abstract thinking and how to be flexible about strategy.

The club has its own pool and McCottry, 72, a former Red Cross water safety instructor, rattles off some sobering statistics that illustrate why swimming is a focus: African Americans are 1.5 times more likely to drown than their white counterparts.

According to club member Alice Mahan, who is coordinator for the summer program, "Most of these kids, when they came, did not even want to get their faces wet."

One of them is 10-year-old Olivia Oliver. Entering the program two weeks ago, she did not know how to swim. Now, she says she's mostly confident in the water, but still a little nervous on the deep end. For her, the best part of the program was kayaking. "It was super fun and interesting to see all the jellyfish in the water," she says.

Left: Commodore McCottry shows photos from the children's fishing trip earlier that week. Right: The Seafarers clubhouse is fully decorated with sailing and boating items. Keren Carrión/NPR hide caption

Left: Commodore McCottry shows photos from the children's fishing trip earlier that week. Right: The Seafarers clubhouse is fully decorated with sailing and boating items.

The SYC also hosts Annapolis' only Sea Scout ship as part of the Boy Scouts of America-affiliated program. Some of its top Scouts have gone on to the U.S. Naval and Coast Guard academies.

Confidence and camaraderie

Lonnie Alsop, 69, who joined the club just a few months ago, says he's known about the Seafarers since he was a boy. "My father had friends who were members," he says. "My dad was not a boat owner. I was always hoping he would be, but that never happened."

Alsop says he's always had a love of water. "I bought my first boat when I was 16 years old, which was a speed boat," he says. "I went from there to larger and larger boats. And so finally I got involved in cigarette-style boats, and I had those for years."

"I always wanted to be a Seafarer, but my life has been so busy that I didn't think I had time to be totally involved in and do the types of things in the community that they are constantly involved in."

He says he's "looking forward to spending more time with them and getting involved in some of the programs that they're carrying on in the community."

The days of being turned away at fuel docks are long gone. Many places on the bay are very welcoming, Alsop says. But even now, he says he's "not super comfortable going to marinas where I'm not really familiar."

"To be honest with you, having the camaraderie of some of the guys who are of my same race makes [me] a little more confident," he says.

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Annapolis Oyster Roast and Sock Burning through the years | PHOTOS

See photos of the Annapolis annual oyster and sock burning through the years. Celebrate the next spring equinox and the beginning of boating season March 23, 2024 by burning those nasty winter socks at the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning.

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