About Bristol Yacht Club

We are happy to see that you have interest in membership at the Bristol Yacht Club. BYC was founded in 1899 and has established a tradition of excellence to its members and the yachting community Membership at BYC offers a wide variety of boating activities and social functions to enhance your yachting experience.

Club Atmosphere

The Bristol Yacht Club is a relaxed friendly place, away from the traffic and the crowds, yet located in the geographic center of Narragansett Bay. The professional staff is cordial, helpful and member friendly. Our grassy grounds are dotted with shade trees and our large front lawn is a welcome spot. The club is a place of relaxation and a port of destination for many visiting yacht clubs throughout the summer.

The Town of Bristol's Fourth of July celebration featuring the largest and oldest Fourth of July parade in the country along with a breathtaking "over the harbor" fireworks display, is an especially fun and busy time at the club.

Facilities

The clubhouse and waterfront are impeccably maintained. We have an outdoor barbecue area, children's slides and swings, a convenient parking lot, showers, boat ramp, dingy float space and racks, launch service, dockside water and ice, gear lockers, short term docking, overnight docking for repairs and provisioning and a magnificent clubhouse featuring two decks, a large multifunctional room aside a full service bar equipped with a gas fireplace and HD TV.

Mooring Area

Our mooring area is a broad semi-circle east of the club dock with good water depth and excellent holding. The town of Bristol manages the area in a safe and efficient manner. The harbor master's office keeps watch over the harbor and provides mooring side pump out services. The club operates two coast guard inspected launches from May through October. The club also maintains two moorings for the exclusive use of members, just outside of Potters cove on Prudence Island.

Social Program

The Bristol Yacht Club is a great place to enjoy the company of fellow members and to build friendships that last a lifetime. The Mother's Day brunch and the Father's Day lobster boil are long standing and very popular traditions. From May through October, the club features a "TGIF" event each Friday night (every other week from October to April) which features terrific family dinning at affordable prices. During the past few years, special events such as Caribbean Night and other theme type events have proven to be hugely popular. The annual kids Easter egg hunt and Christmas Holiday party are a treat for both the children as well as the young at heart.

Cruising

BYC cruises are a popular way to enjoy boating with other members. Recent cruises have included various ports in Buzzards Bay, Martha Vineyard, Long Island and Down east Maine. Weekend cruises include Block Island, Newport, East Greenwich and Prudence Island.

Racing

Wednesday night is race night at the club. There is a place for everyone, hardcore world class racers and weekend warriors all come together for fun and good competition. Club members also participate in numerous weekend "in the bay" and off shore races.

Youth sailing

The Bristol Yacht Club has long been known for its commitment to youth sailing. The East Bay Sailing Foundation at the Bristol Yacht Club offers a comprehensive youth sailing program for members and area youths. Check them out on the web at www.eastbaysailingfoundation.org.

Frostbiting

For several decades, the frostbiting fleet of Penguins has called the Bristol Yacht Club home. Each Saturday during the winter months, up to a dozen hearty sailors can be found racing on Bristol Harbor.

Private Parties

Members may rent clubhouse facilities for private parties such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation parties and business meetings.

Membership Application

Download a membership application here.