Facilities
Q: Can I keep a boat in the basin? What are the fees and how do I get in the basin? What is the boat registration fee cover?
A: There is a one-time boat registration fee per owner based on the LOA of your boat. Details on the fees are in the Yacht & Harbor policy statement. Forms for registering your boat are available at the office.
Q: How do I use the tennis courts, are reservations required, can I change and shower there?
A: The courts are available for members use. During club hours, check at the bar. All reservations must be made by contacting the Club Receptionist or Bartender by phone or in person. PLEASE ALWAYS MAKE A RESERVATION! If members have guests when making the reservation, please indicate the guest's name. No more than three per member. The cost is $2 per day per guest. If you have any questions please feel free to email Bob Kwit. Showers are available in the clubhouse.
Q: Who gets a locker/storage room? Do I need a boat? What’s it cost, who do I contact. What can I store?
A: Locker storage is for registered boat owners of RYC, that is, boats that are moored in the RYC basin. Please apply to the Yacht & Harbor committee for a locker. Forms are available at the RYC office (& RYC website). Please consult locker policy published by Yacht & Harbor on what can be stored in the lockers.
Q: What parts of the club can be reserved by members for events? Who do I contact? What are typical costs? Does it need to be catered by RYC?
A: All events must be sponsored by a member and the member must be present at the event. Events larger than 40 people need Director’s approval. Members should contact the club manager for reservations and costs. All events must be catered by RYC. Please contact Meghan Smith
Q: Can I invite guests to the club? What are the rules/fees?
A. Yes, members can invite guests. The member must be present with their guests. Further details can be found in the bylaws under Guest Policy.
Q: What are hours at the RYC restaurant, pool?
A: Friday nights require a reservation. The club is normally closed Monday year round and Monday/Tuesday in off-season. Consult the RYC Log or website for restaurant hours. The RYC website contains pool rules & hours. Click here for hours.
Q: Do I tip the staff? Can I pay with cash/credit other than RYC charge? How is the staff incented if I don’t tip?
A: No tipping policy. Members may use cash or credit cards. See the cash/credit card policy in the handbook.. There is an opportunity to contribute to the club’s staff bonus at end of year.
Q: What can my children do? Are any club babysitters available? Is there a list?
A: Children are welcome at the yacht club at all times, but need to be supervised by their parents or a babysitter. Babysitters are, of course, welcome and do not need to be members. RYC offers a family friendly environment with a kid’s room, a pool, and sailing instruction for junior members.
Q: Is there a dress code at RYC? How about for special events?
A: No dress codes in general, but there are special events and a dress code is observed for those events. No swim suits in the clubhouse. Shirts and shoes are required in clubhouse.
Membership
Q: I’m the resident member. What are my spouse and family? Do they have full club rights other than voting? Up to what age are my children members under me?
A: All immediate family members have full privileges to the yacht club, with the exception of holding office or voting. Further details are in the RYC bylaws.
Q: I received a car decal, where do I display it? If I need another, whom do I ask?
A: The decal should be placed on the lower left side of your windshield just above your NY registration and inspection stickers. To get another decal provide the following information and send an e-mail to Karen Gerwitz at karen@rochesteryc.com or drop your info off at the club.
1. Name
2. Member Number
3. Mailing Address
4. Model of Vehicle
5. Year of Vehicle
6. Color of Vehicle
7. Plate Number
Q: Is RYC actively seeking new members? How do I recommend new members?
A: Please contact Betsy Lawless our membership director.
Q: What are reciprocal rights? What clubs can I visit? What is the procedure? Can I charge on my RYC account?
A: Reciprocal rights are defined by each club. Contact the individual club for details on their policy as it varies from club to club. It is a normal tradition within the yacht club community that you will be extended reciprocity for an occasional visit. Please contact the club you wish to visit in advance.
RYC has reciprocal rights with many sailing and country clubs around the country. The list varies for summer and winter seasons. Please refer to the RYC website under Club -Reciprocals for an up-to-date list. It is normal practice to request your membership card.
Q: Is there RYC merchandise? Burgees, clothing? How/where do I purchase?
A: RYC merchandise is on sale at the clubhouse. Please see the club receptionist for products and pricing.
Committees:
Q: What’s the function of each committee? How often do they meet? Who do I contact to join or try?
A: The Club Bylaws contain an explanation of each committee, but they include the following: Executive, Nominating, Sailing, Finance, Audit, House, Club Facilities, Yacht & Harbor, Membership, Human Resources, and Trophy & Historical. The current list of delegates and committee chairs is on the RYC member website under Club - Board of Directors and Committees. Serving on a committee is an excellent way to meet fellow club members. Please contact the chairperson to sit in on their next meeting.
Q: When does the Board meet? Who can attend?
A: The Board of Directors meets monthly and is open to all members.
Q: Who are the key contact people at club?
A: Rochester Yacht Club Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and Staff are on the member website Click the appropriate link below:
Boats
Q: How do I get/reserve a slip? What are the fees for docking, winter storage, launching? What if I own a small boat/canoe/sunfish? Where do I launch it? Can I store it at club?
A: Forms are available at the office. Contact the Yacht & Harbor Committee for details. Small boats can be stored at club. Contact Yacht & Harbor Committee for availability & pricing.
Q: What equipment does RYC have that I can us or rent ? (Kayaks, Ideals, e.g.) How? What does it cost?
A: The Ideal 18 keelboat program can be joined. Kayaks can be reserved and used by members. 420’s are specifically for High School sailing & instruction.
Rochester Junior Yacht Club (RJYC)
Q: How do my kids join RJYC? How old do you have to be to join RJYC? Do they need to be sponsored? What is the benefit of RJYC?
A: Contact the commodore of the RJYC, Alex Steo, for program details. You do not need to be a member of the RYC to join the RJYC.