Port Townsend Yacht Club Facilities are located at:
2503 Washington Street
Port Townsend, Washington 98368.
[Click
here for a map]
Send US Mail to : Port Townsend Yacht Club
Post Office Box 75
Port Townsend, Washington 98368
History
of the Port Townsend Yacht Club
The first set of Port Townsend
Yacht Club bylaws was adopted February 11, 1947, and printed by
the local Olympic Printing Company. Those hearty founders were
a group of men interested in sharing their love of boating with
each other and their families. Through the years, PTYC grew and
prospered, meeting first in members’ homes and then in a
member-built yacht club building on Port of
Port Townsend property (just
each of the current restrooms). Members hosted fish fries, clam
feeds, hamburger parties, and steak dinners to raise money until
the clubhouse was completed and paid for. Members cruised to
surrounding bays, inlets, and islands, and taught many local
youngsters about sailing. The bay saw many a spirited race.
After the lease with the Port
expired, temporary housing was found, through the generosity of
George Rowley, at Point Hudson Marina. Although adequate for
meetings, it was not suitable for social gatherings or for any
long-range plans. Once again, committees were formed to seek
suitable sites, either to purchase or lease for permanent
quarters.
Early in 1986, members started
working on a new clubhouse, a partially finished building
situated on land leased from the Port. Many club members made
generous donations of time and materials for the project and the
result is the building members use to this day. From 1987 to
1989, many improvements were made by members — such as exterior
painting, installation of a flagpole, interior doors, cabinets,
flooring, carpeting, ceiling tiles, window blinds, and a
ventilation system.
In 1990, the club established
its Scholarship Fund, assisting and encouraging others in the
community toward marine-oriented goals.
During 1995, the clubhouse
received a new coat of point, inside and out, finishing the job
begun with the deck repainting in 1994. Etched glass windows
and a canvas awning completed the entryway. Inside, the galley
received a new center island and portraits of Past Commodores
were hung in the meeting room. PTYC’s booth at the Wooden Boat
Festival was a great success.
Through 1996, interior decorating
and refurbishing continued. Projects included sound-absorbing
carpet panels and a burgee display for the meeting room. The
bulletin board was refurbished to display photos of PTYC’s
fleet.
1998 saw our own Barbara Cochran
earn Seattle Yacht Club’s Tug Boat Annie Award for a lifetime of
boating achievement and continued maritime contribution. During
1999, the clubhouse was re-roofed, re-insulated under the floor,
and the Cruise for Lunch Bunch was launched.
The year 2000 brought us a new
flagpole, an outdoor bulletin board, and a heater for the bar.
Microsoft donated 86 padded and comfortable chairs, and the
club’s website was established. During 2001, the clubhouse
entry was carpeted, both restrooms were redecorated, and a
pull-down attic ladder was installed. In 2002, the galley was
updated with the donation of an almost-new refrigerator and the
purchase of a new range and a cook-and-hold oven. An Edmonds
cruise and a South Sound cruise were added to the Club’s
schedule. In 2004, the clubhouse floor was replaced.
The year 2005 saw the
introduction of Safety Saturday and two Saturday seminars which
were open to the public: Electronic Navigation and Cruising to
Alaska. In 2007, the club reached out to the entire community
by inviting everyone to participate in Opening Day and OAR
Northwest programs. In addition, we simplified the I-68
procedures for all boaters by asking Homeland Security to our
clubhouse to process forms.
With these facilities and programs, members hope to continue
many of the same traditions and know that the fun and fellowship
shared by boating families will continue into the future on the
waters of Port Townsend Bay.
