The Classic Yacht Club (CYCA) of America kicked off the 2021 season with its annual Ice Breaker event April 10 at The Chester River Country Club and Yacht Club in Chestertown, MD. This was an extra special event because 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of CYCA.
Officially formed September 28, 1971 in the Fells Point area of Baltimore, MD, the CYCA was created to promote the preservation and to encourage the restoration of classic watercraft. Furthermore, it was established to encourage rendezvous and other gatherings. Since that time, the CYCA has had to adapt to keep up with the ever-changing boating community. Most notably the club members realized the need to appreciate and welcome watercraft old and new, due to the dwindling numbers of classic yachts.
Today the CYCA is mostly recognized as a cruising yacht club. However, its members continue to focus on camaraderie as well as sharing knowledge, resources, excitement about classic boats, and the joy of water passage. The club, which holds gatherings throughout the Chesapeake Bay region, has 40-plus members with boats ranging from a 1903 sailing sloop to a 2003 pilot house motor yacht.
The CYCA hosts four boating rendezvous throughout the season, either at a marina or a reciprocating yacht club during the months June through September. Typically, 15-20 boats are proudly displayed, in full dress and showing off the meticulous care the owners put into maintaining these special vessels. If you are lucky enough to be at a marina or yacht club while a rendezvous is being held, walk the docks to view the vessels and to introduce yourself. Owners are happy to answer questions and provide information about the boats and club.
The 2021 rendezvous schedule is: June 11-13 Flag Raising at Osprey Point Marina in Rock Hall, MD; July 16-18 Mid-summer Rendezvous at Tolchester Marina in Tolchester, MD; August 13-15 August Rendezvous at Knapps Narrows Marina in Tilghman Island, MD; and September 17-19 Late Summer Rendezvous and Official 50thAnniversary Celebration at Anchorage Marina in Baltimore, MD. Interested in knowing more? Please visit classicyachtclub.org.