sodus bay yacht club racing

SBYC Founded 1893

Some Important Events

in the History of The Sodus Bay Yacht Club

1893, July 4

Earliest record of handicap racing by a group of Sodus Point cottage owners.

Sodus Bay Yacht Club formally organized at a site where Krenzer’s Marina now stands.

A.C. Bartle was the first Commodore. Membership was not limited to owners of boats.

1895, August 9

The Sodus Bay Yacht Club is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with the primary objectives “to promote and encourage interests in yachts and yachting, to encourage the traditions of yachting, to provide and maintain a suitable clubhouse and facilities for the use and recreation of its members…”

Original clubhouse and docks were completed at the cost of $2,200, supervised by Commodore Meade and the trustees.

Miss Rose Williams, racing a Lark, became the first woman in central New York to win a yacht race, crossing he finish line twice in first place, picking a silver cup in the James Holmes race, and tied for third prize overall for the season.

“Ladies” over the age of 21 were allowed to join the Club as Associate Members upon paying $2.00 in dues.

SBYC’s application to join the Lake Yacht Racing Association (LYRA) was accepted.

SBYC recognized by the local community as a major tourist attraction. A promotional piece provides the following quote “Visitors are cordially welcomed to the spacious club home of the Sodus Bay Yacht Club on the south shore of Sand Point. This organization is largely drawn from western New York. The club house is a rendezvous for the members and their families from all points of the Bay. A commodious dancing pavilion, greatly enjoyed by the members, has been a recent addition.”

The ailing economy resulting from WWI leads to foreclosure on Clubhouse and property. While there were no facilities, the Club continued and the membership grew from 5 to 39. In 1935, a group of members formed the Sodus Bay Realty Corporation and purchased the Clubhouse and property back from the State. The Corporation then leased the facilities back to the Club.

Club was forced to give up LYRA affiliation due to drop in membership.

LYRA event held at SBYC under the flag of the Rochester Yacht Club. Over 100 boats participated.

C.P.H. Vary, who served as Secretary-Treasurer from 1926-1942, was the first SBYC membership to be given an Honorary Life Membership.

SBYC joined the Central New York Yacht Racing Association.

The “Robin”; class was introduced. Designed by Benjamin Wood of Sodus, NY. The fleet grew to 19.

SBYC joined the North American Yacht Racing Union.

SBYC was accepted back into LYRA as a full member.

Total membership (all categories) grows to 150.

The 75th LYRA event was held at SBYC; this was the third LYRA held on Sodus Bay. SBYC took on a carnival atmosphere for the event with at least 70 boats moored in the harbor.

1964 & 1969

SBYC hosts the start of the Freeman Cup Long Distance Race which is prelude to LYRA course racing.

SBYC hosts the LYRA Regatta. The Freeman Cup Long Distance race finished at the entrance to the Bay and two days of course racing followed.

1981 & 1985

Clubhouse undergoes a major renovation; enlarging the bar area and improving bathroom facilities.

The Challenge Cup Regatta drew a record 45 boats, including 20 J/24s. Stuart Needel on FALCON became the first SBYC sailor to win the Freeman Cup Long Distance race.

The East Floating Dock System was constructed and installed using member labor. This addition provided 16 new docks for use by the membership.

SBYC celebrated its Centennial Year. Events included a Winter Ball at Oak Hill Country Club, an Antique Boat Show, and a Centennial Match Race Regatta won by John Swartz on Sea Witch. An additional highlight was SBYC’s hosting of the LYRA Regatta for the 8th time.

District (7)  J-24 Championships held at SBYC.

The Club installs a small boat hoist to accommodate a growing number of small boat sailors.

CNYYRA (Central New York Yacht Racing Association) held its annual regatta at SBYC. At the same time SBYC was host to the J/24 District Championship. In all over 110 boats participated.

SBYC hosts the 8 Metre World Championship

Through the efforts of Past Commodores Bud Seymour and George Sibley, the Club purchased the boathouse and property directly to the north of the Club. This property was owned by Heidi & Eugene Van Voorhis members of both Rochester and Sodus Bay Yacht Clubs. Upon Heidi’s death and Eugene’s sale of their property on Newark Island, there was no longer a need for the property.

At the Eastern Yachting Circuit (EYC) meeting in Kingston, Fleet Captain Mike Foley and Rear Commodore Tom Knapp bid to host the Annual EYC regatta at SBYC in 1999. The Regatta was held and included a long distance race from Oswego Yacht Club to Sodus Point and three course races.

Eric Will and his crew aboard Bushwacker won the Soverel 33 North American Championship.

2000, Spring

Sixteen new floating docks were installed. The project under the direction of Past Commodore Jim Lyles and directed by Docks and Moorings Director, Jim Adolf, was begun in early 1999 and finished in early spring when several “work days” were scheduled to assembled the docks. All 16 slips had been rented during the previous winter so many in the work party were slip holders anxious for their new dock to be in the water.

SBYC hosted the prestigious LYRA Regatta for the 9th time. Under the capable leadership of Ed St. George, Past Commodore Chuck Willette as Regatta Race Officer, and a group of dedicated volunteers, the event was a resounding success. From July 31st to August 6th over 125 boats from around the lake participated in this exciting event. For the first time, the Regatta was linked with the Western New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event became known as the Leukemia Cup Regatta and approximately $15,000 was raised toward the life saving work of that organization.

The Clubhouse kitchen underwent a major renovation. Workspace was more than doubled, hot water tanks were upgraded for the kitchen and the bathrooms and an office was created for the Club Manager.

Erik Will and the crew of Bushwacker successfully defended their Soverel 33 North American Championship at Larchmont Yacht Club, placing first in four of the seven races.

The Club purchased the Compson cottage and property directly north of the boathouse property. Past Commodore Ed St. George is awarded the Lake Yacht Racing Association’s highest award “THE Blake Van Winckle Memorial Award” for service to the more than 50 yacht clubs in the association. LYRA founded in 1893 is the oldest association of racing yacht clubs on the continent. 

All of the property north of the Clubhouse including the garage, the boathouse and the Compson cottage were torn down making the area available for future club expansion.

Through collaboration with Skip Shumway, the club acquired four IDEAL 18 sailboats for member use.  The property north of the club was modified with a dock for the boats and a work shed to act as a base for the new “SBYC Small Boat Program”.  Tom Knapp ran the program, which included one design club racing as well as open sailing, to rave reviews from club members.  Through the efforts of Bob Wood and a dedicated group of volunteers, a working Officer of the Day program was established and successfully operated over the entire summer.  The highlight of the social scene took place on Labor Day Weekend when Rochester Yacht Club joined us in a three-day Pirate’s Weekend complete with costumes, great food, music, a pirate’s invasion and movies on the lawn in the evening.

The Small Boat Program continued to be popular with the membership with David Drushler and his wife Nathalie LaRochelle at the helm.  After 20 years of Rochester YC wins, the SBYC racers were finally able to bring home the Challenge Cup to the clubhouse, winning it back by a slim 1 point margin.  Pete and Leigh Quackenbush and the crew on Moongator won the Best in Fleet trophy at the LYRA Regatta in Youngstown.  The season was blessed with good weather and, along with the Lighthouse Race, we saw the return of another favorite “fun race” – the “Bang and Go”.  Water balloons and cannons, along with buckets abounded!  At the Annual Meeting, Ed St George was recognized with Life membership for his many years of service to the club and yachting in general on Lake Ontario.

SBYC hosted both LYRA and the North American 8 Meter Regatta.  SBYC also hosted Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association’s 50th Anniversary.  And SBYC had 10 new members in 2006.

The Ideal 18’s were purchased and continue to club assets, making the club more attractive to new members.  SBYC hosted the EYC as well as the Challenge Cup, while SBYC and SBJSA partnered to host a Laser/Optima regatta.  SBYC member and LYRA President MIke Foley is awarded the Lake Yacht Racing Association’s highest award “THE Blake Van Winckle Memorial Award” for service to the more than 50 yacht clubs in the association. LYRA founded in 1893 is the oldest association of racing yacht clubs on the continent. 

SBYC hosted a very successful Centrals Regatta and Challenge Cup. We resolved our property tax assessment issue with the town saving us money. The SBJSA completed their new Educational Building which includes handicapped showers and restrooms that can be used by SBYC

In addition to our normal racing and social events, SBYC hosted the North American Lightning Championship Regatta for ten days in August. It was an amazing event to host with excellent participation from our membership and to watch as the Women’s, Junior’s and Master’s Lightning racers from all over North America raced on Lake Ontario. A special thank you goes to Tom Knapp, Alys Klingenberg and Ed St. George for Co-Chairing this event. With the purchase of the south end of Irwin Street, and after much planning, the north side of our property under went a much needed facelift with a new walkway and landscaping. The house roof was finally repaired after many years of dripping rainwater in the bar and kitchen. Thank you to Dave Parker and his committee for these two major projects.

The renovation to the front wall and East Basin saw all of the old concrete removed and new rock filler added before new concrete was poured.  The new water and electrical lines were embedded into the new concrete and new power and light towers are being installed which will complete the project.  A great turnout of volunteers made this project a success.  The Annual Challenge Cup Regatta saw 31 boats of all sizes participating in the two-day event.  A round of applause goes to Fleet Captain Mike Thurley with help from Rear Commodore Pete Quackenbush for planning such a successful regatta.  SBYC and SBJSA also hosted the Centrals Regatta for small boats with 68 boats competing during the regatta.

A good year for the House financially and in participation, as private parties and member special events (Lobster Fest, Pig Roast, Clambake, Cuban Night) boosted attendance. SBYC Challenge Cup racers were successful in winning back the Challenge Cup trophy for SBYC.Ideal 18 participation was high, culminating in a well-attended and spirited Ideal 18 “Poker-Run” Fun Race. The adjacent Pier Point property was purchased by SBJSA. An easement will be given to SBYC to construct a much needed wave break system on the newly purchased property. Plans for an Adult Learn to Sail Program beginning in 2012 were initiated.

COMMODORES OF SBYC

1893-1895 A.C. Bartle

1896-1900S. Meade

1901            A.L. Foote

1902            C.P.H. Vary

1903            J.S. Sheffield

1904-1905F.J.B. Lefebvre

1906            H.B. Rogers

1907-1909F.L. Wilson

1910            C.T. Bloomer

1911            H.M. Doubleday

1912            R.A.S. Bloomer

1913            S.E. Comstock

1914             C.F. Garfield

1915            F.L. Wilson

1916-1922E.F. Brewster Jr.

1923            R.A.S. Bloomer

1924            S.E. Comstock

1925-1926P.E. Emerson

1927            L.K. Stuart

1928            P.D. Newton

1929            W.C. Bloomer

1930            T.S. Knight

1931            P.V. Fortmiller

1932            H.C. Bloomer

1933            C.R. Clark

1934            R.W. Comstock

1935            G.B. Parsons

1936-1937L.A. Gilbert

1938            H.V. Swartz

1939-1940L.K. Stuart

1941-1942W.G. Croucher

1943            P.E. Emerson

1944-1945J.D. Welch

1946-1947H.C.Bloomer

1948            R.C. Rupert

1949            K.C. Collier and T. Paton

1950-1951E.E. Marsh

1952-1953E.J. Pammenter

1954-1955J.G. Donaldson

1956            G.P. Smith

1957            L.J. Short

1958            H.W. Fogarty

1959            C.W. Stuart

1960-1961H.E. Bush

1962            E.W. Sohmer

1963            E.P. Seymour

1964            H.B.Nesbitt

1965-1966K.L. Robie

1967-1968A.B. Hosford

1969-1970G.P. Sibley

1971-1972A.C. Hagen

1973-1974J. Laird

1975            G. Alley

1976-1977B.D. Ives

1978-1979E.H. Wheeler

1980            K.H. Eaton

1981            J.S. Dennis

1982            H.L. Willard

1983-1984M.A. Polster

1985            J.M. Lyles

1986-1987C.F. Willette

1988-1989C.E. Wentworth

1990-1991E.L. St. George

1992            J.W. Whipple

1993-1994A.K. Pizer

1995-1996B. A. Dahl

1997-1998R. B. Jones

1999-2000T.R. Knapp

2001-2002E. Leroux

2003-2004A. Klingenberg

2005-1006R. J. White

2007-2008J. Hayslip

2009-2010J. Wickett

2011-2012D. Parker

EYC Regatta 2024

Thursday, july 11 - saturday, july 13, 2024  .

Sodus Bay Yacht Club was proud to host the 202 4 EYC Regatta. The Eastern Yachting Circuit (EYC) is an International association of yacht clubs on the eastern end of Lake Ontario.  The format for the regatta is three days of racing. Thursday is a long distance race of approximately thirty to thirty-five nautical miles. On Friday and Saturday course races or “around the buoys racing” are held. Trophies dating back to the 1920’s are presented in each division for both the long distance race and course racing as well as Overall trophies for the distance race, Course racing and combined events. The regatta features PHRF – Lake Ontario Handicapped racing, One- Design Divisions and White Sails division. The EYC regatta has established a great camaraderie between clubs and racing teams with many skippers and crews participating for twenty to forty plus  years. Moving from club to club allows sailors to visit all the member clubs in a short span of time.

Click here to learn more about EYC

US Member Clubs

Sodus Bay YC Fair Haven YC Oswego YC Selkirk YC Henderson Harbor YC Crescent YC 

Canada Member Clubs

Brockville YC Kingston YC Collins Bay YC Prince Edward YC CFB Trenton YC Bay of Quinte YC 

Results for EYC 2024 

Want to see who won each division? Interested to know which team took home the coveted trophies ? Check out who participated and how the times broke down by clicking below.  

EYC Results 2024

EYC 2024 Highlights

The band Shameless Henry provided the tunes for all of us to enjoy and dance along to. It was the perfect evening under a clear sky to dance and socialize! It was awesome to see our very own Erik Will on Keyboard and vocals! The races were all held on the lake and although the winds were light early on in the competition, the last day of racing had much stronger breezes. 

Centrals on Sodus Annual Regatta Hosted by SBJSA 

The lyra junior championship plus the sunfish class regional world qualifier.

Friday, July 19, 2024

1500 - 1700 Early Check-In

Saturday, July 20, 2024

0700-0900: Registration/check-in

0730-0930 Continental Breakfast

0945: Competitors briefing 

1030: Warning Signal, First Race

Post Race Cookout (Included in Registration)

Sunday, July 21, 2024

0730 -0930 Continental Breakfast

Awards ASAP after racing

SBJSA will also host an area Inter-Club event for juniors on Friday, July 19th. Sailors are invited to participate in both events with their families and sailing teammates.

Please stay tuned. Contact Regatta Mike Foley ( [email protected] ) or Katharine Coleman ( [email protected] ) with any questions.

Regatta Website and Current Registration

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SEASONAL PROGRAMS

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FUTURE MAJOR EVENTS

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Junior sailing news.

Anton Schmid at the C420 US Nationals

On August 1st, my skipper Anton and I got the opportunity to travel to Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, in New Jersey to compete in the 2024 C420 National Championship. When we first arrived at the venue, we were greeted with hot and humid weather and very good breeze. The four practice days were relatively the same, starting out around 8 knots, and then eventually building to a 13-16 knot sea breeze. On the first day of the regatta, we experienced very similar conditions to the practice days, which allowed us to excel, achieving a 1st, and two 4ths.

Anton Schmid at the C420 North American Championship

My crew, Wyatt Kelly and I recently traveled up to Redwood City in the Bay area to compete in the 2024 C420 North American Championship. This was our second year participating in this event. 106 participants were registered for the regatta. 

Harrison Strom at the 2024 Rose Cup Youth Match Race Nationals

Recently, my team and I attended the Rose Cup Youth Match Race Nationals. The event was held in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and spanned over five days. The first two days were composed of extensive debriefs, boat handling, and on-the-water practice. The priority was to get all the teams up to match racing speed. The renowned coach Dave Perry led the regatta and clinic teaching all the sailors the intricacies of match racing. Match racing in a nutshell is two boats that sail against each other with certain rules related to this style of sailing. Each boat sails against every other team in a round-robin series. After the round robin is complete, the top eight teams move to a quarter finals, then a semi-finals, and finally the last two boats remaining sail to the best of three against each other. 

Team Stewart/Simpson at 2024 Youth Champs

This past week we, Julia Stewart and Bennett Simpson, flew as a team to Bristol, RI to compete in the US Youth Champs in the 29er fleet. It was a great experience and we learned many lessons from it. A few of our goals for this event was to go out there and have fun, work on communication, and get experience sailing in heavy breeze.  We both are so proud of how we have come together as team and have accomplished all of those goals.

US Youth Championship 29er Class by Kevin Cason and Holland Vierling

We (Kevin Cason/skipper and and Holland Vierling/crew) recently attended our 3rd US Sailing Youth Championship, this year located in Bristol, Rhode Island. This was a super fun regatta for us.  So cool to see our growth as a team over the past 3 Youth Championship races. I(Holland) showed up sleepy after a long redeye flight, and immediately ran into the US Sailing Coaches -Phil and Rosie. They let me jump in their coach boat on the way to another race. An hour later I was competing in the Bridge to Bridge race from Newport to Bristol, RI on a Wingfoil - and I ended up placing 1st for Wingfoil!  What an amazing experience!

Great Racing and Sportsmanship Shine Under Clear Skies at the 7th Annual San Diego OCR

The 7th annual San Diego Olympic Classes Regatta (OCR) rolled out on a perfect June weekend. The classic San Diego "June Gloom" burned off quickly and a nice westerly filled in for the majority of both days. With winds ranging from 7-14 kts, and modest little swells running down the course, 28 sailors in three classes completed seven races on a trapezoid course located just south of Point Loma on the Coronado Roads.

Madilyn Anderson at the 2024 Waszp Atlantic Coast Championships

This month I went to Toms River, New Jersey to compete in the 2024 Waszp Atlantic Coast Championships. The competition was intense and very high, with the majority of the competitors having world and national titles. 

When I arrived the first day, I put together the charter boat that was given to me from the SailGP Inspire Program. While in the boat park, I met some sailors from Hawaii and the America One Racing Team who invited me to train with them that day. Once we got our boats rigged and ready, we all headed out for a nice 12 kt session. 

INSA Junior Sabot Nationals Comes Back to San Diego July 29-August 1

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 INSA Junior Sabot Nationals, which will be held at San Diego Yacht Club July 29 through August 1! Make sure to register online before 1700 on June 14 to avoid late entry fees.

For the first time since 1962, the INSA Junior Sabot Nationals is returning to SDYC, making it an unprecedented event in the modern history of the Junior Sabot Nationals. While this marks an exciting new development for the Sabot Fleet, it is also a return to form in many ways, with a qualification series limiting the championship series to 120 boats and the Cove Cup Consolation Regatta. 

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S odus Bay, the largest bay on Lake Ontario, is located on the south shore between Rochester and Oswego with easy access from Syracuse to Rochester and throughout the Finger Lakes region. The bay itself is a beautiful inland protected harbor unique in its size and scenic splendor.  Our yacht club provides easy access to this gorgeous natural waterway and to Lake Ontario. You can get anywhere in the world from Sodus Bay Yacht Club or just spend the day enjoying the bay. Any weekend during our season members may be seen boating or tossing the anchor out while other members anchor close by or tied in an afternoon flotilla for an impromptu lunch and swimming. How about an excursion to Fair Haven or Rochester or Oswego for the weekend? It can all be done from here.  

Find out more about club racing, fun races, and annual racing cups and regattas. There's something for everyone at SBYC.

Looking to join other boaters to travel and explore Lake Ontario? Find out more about our club cruises or informal buddy boating.

I deal 18 Fleet

No boat? No problem! Become a member and subscribe to the Ideal 18 keelboat fleet. Find out more about using these great sailboats.

Catalina 22s -Picnic Boat 

NEW! SBYC was generously donated a Catalina 22 sailboat for use by club members. Find out more about this exciting new opportunity for families without a boat.

Day Sailing

Whether it's a lake day or a bay day, SBYC is a great place for day sailing. Find out why you have choices when you're a member at SBYC.

Learn to Sail

Join as crew on someone else's boat or find out more at our neighbor organization (Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association-SBJSA). 

Know Before You Go

Check out the latest forecasts and wind conditions before heading out on your trip around the bay or out on the big lake. There are lots of weather apps you can install on your smart phone so that weather and wind information  is always at your fingertips.