Welcome to New Bedford Yacht Club, where our historic Clubhouse and marina meet the protected waters of Padanaram Harbor, providing members with access to the outstanding cruising grounds of the Elizabeth Islands, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, Block Island and beyond.


The Club’s operations are overseen by elected officers, a Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary and a Board of Directors, which meets monthly throughout the year. Committees of volunteers play an integral part in the Club's operations, from race committee to social events and property oversight.

Membership is comprised of over 600 members in several membership classes. Membership is by application supported by the recommendations of other members. NBYC is a club for all ages, as membership includes junior members, giving youth access to the facilities where they can enjoy social activities and the sailing school program.

The Annual Season begins with Commissioning in mid-May and ends with Decommissioning in mid-October.
NBYC observes the traditional Yacht Club National Ensign raising and lowering ceremony of “Colors” at 0800 and sunset.
VHF Channel 68 is monitored during the Annual Season.

Club Office Hours

Annual Season: 8am - 10pm Daily
Off Season: 8am - 4pm Monday-Friday

Mission Statement

To have a membership composed of yachting enthusiasts of good character and of all ages that is predominantly resident to the local area, represents a broad spectrum of the community, and is appropriate in size for our facilities

To promote and encourage yachting and boating by providing our members and guests with a Clubhouse, harbor facilities, services and related activities

To provide instruction in yachting and boating safety, an educational program in sailboat racing and handling, and an organized yacht racing program for our members and such guests as we can accommodate; To promote and encourage fellowship, friendship and camaraderie among our members and guests

To maintain a standard of excellence in all aspects of our operations including maintenance and improvement of our facilities

To function as a non-profit organization with a cost structure that enables fulfillment of this Mission Statement, is within the reach of substantially all of our members, and preserves a sound fiscal position.

Membership at NBYC

New Bedford Yacht Club is a members-only club comprised of over 600 members in multiple membership classes. The Club's practices, customs, rules and traditional observations are established by the members, for the members.

Membership is about more than just boats and traditions - members are families, sailors, and friends who share a love of the sea and come together with a kindred spirit both on the water and off. Members feel a connection and pride of Club wherever their travels take them.

Membership

The Club's History

Founded in 1877, the New Bedford Yacht Club was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on January 25, 1878 “for the purpose of encouraging athletic exercises, yachting and especially by maintaining a Club house.”

The first Clubhouse was on Fish Island, but in 1879 the Club moved to larger quarters on Pope’s Island. By the end of the 19th Century, New Bedford Yacht Club members were beginning to keep their boats in non-industrial Padanaram Harbor. In 1901, the yacht club built a second station in Padanaram. The Pope’s Island station was sold in 1941, concentrating the Club’s activities at the Padanaram Station.

Then, as now, the Club represented diverse boating interests. Currently the New Bedford Yacht Club squadron includes a diverse assortment of boats from sail, power, to paddle, and surf. A full schedule of racing, cruising, and social events is maintained. As the second oldest yacht club in continuous operation on Buzzards Bay and the tenth oldest New England, the Club continues to fulfill its original statement of purpose

Our History
 
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