american yacht club burgee

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Yacht Club Burgees

On the following pages are the yacht club burgees historically enrolled with the Register.

It is generally accepted that any new burgee or change to an enrolled burgee will not be accepted by the Register if it too closely resembles another enrolled burgee.

Kindly contact us in the event of changes.

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BURGEES, ENSIGNS, FLAGS and PENNANTS

By Judy Hills, ACBS roving reporter, member of RDC Triangle Chapter

Have you ever given thought to the burgees, ensigns, flags and pennants that we fly on our boats?  Did you consciously select yours or did you just copy what you saw someone else doing?  What do you know about nautical flag etiquette and usage?  This article addresses this topic.

According to the US Power Squadron, “Flags are often too small…The national ensign flown at a flag staff on the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly (long end) for each foot of overall length.”

Flag —One class of flags is called the “international maritime signal flags.”  According to Wikipedia, there is a signal flag “for each letter of the alphabet, and pennant for numerals.  Each flag (except the R flag) has an additional meaning when flown individually, and they take on other meanings in certain combinations.”  For more information on the meanings of international maritime signal flags click on this link:  http://www.marinewaypoints.com/learn/flags/flags.shtml   It is more common to see the international maritime signal flags displayed on sailboats than pleasure power boats.

Did you know?

• The word for the scientific study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags is vexillology.
• The position of honor on a ship is the quarterdeck at the stern of a ship, and thus ensigns are traditionally flown either from the ensign staff at the ship’s stern, or from a gaff rigged over the stern.
• The general rule that no flag is flown higher than the national flag does not apply onboard a ship.  A flag flown at the stern is always in a superior position to a flag flown elsewhere on the ship, even if the latter is higher up. (Wikipedia—maritime flag). 
• If you take your boat to international or foreign waters, the traditional United States ensign should be flown.
• You should avoid flying more than one ensign from a single halyard or antenna.
• Massachusetts and Maine are the only two states with their own maritime flags (special versions of the state flags for use afloat).
• There is an international burgee registry. http://www.burgees.com/burgeeframe.htm
• To learn more about maritime flag etiquette: http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html
• If you are into vexillology and want to see some really weird flag designs, check out https://www.reddit.com/r/vexillology/ or click here to see vexillology Youtube videos. Click here to check out the National Maritime Museum’s historical collection of flags.

So, having a little fun with our vexillology topic, if you or your ACBS Chapter were to design a flag, what would it look like? 

Send  your pictures, reports, announcements, and boat biographies to  [email protected]

Nice informative piece, thx. One concern: I recently ordered and attempted to fly the ACBS burgee on my ’55 Chris-Craft Continental 22′ and discoverd that the height measurement (~13″) is way too long for my canted mast (pins are about 9″ apart). Has ACBS considered a more “runabout” size for a burgee?

I contacted the company that we purchase the burgees from. The company offers a 10″ size which should place the grommet holes about 9″ apart. If you would like me to order one for you, let me know if you prefer cotton or nylon and slanted or straight. The cost is $39.

This added information came from Gene Porter: “Your yacht ensign info is inaccurate or remiss in that it fails to note that the yacht ensign must never be flown in international or foreign waters since it has no standing as a national ensign. [from the Power Squadron web site]

This is particularly applicable in such areas as the Thousand Islands where US boats frequent Canadian waters, too often flying illegal flags.

Thank you, Gene. One of the advantages of being in this organization is that information is shared from many sources. The website committee invites comments and discussions. It helps us all be more informed.

I fly the flag and ensign that was actually shipped from Century in June of 1959 when my Gray V8 powered 16 ‘ Resorter was delivered to Ithaca NY, she has only had two owners and moved 15 miles North still on Cayuga l and is now used mostly for sunset rides, she saw many hours as a competition ski boat as her original owner was a skier for many years she has also made the trip from Sodus Bay NY across Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence seaway twice a year for many years to his cottage on the St Lawrence.

Great article but I believe you left out an important fact about the U S ensign. Congress in 1914 or 1916, please don’t hold me to the dates, pasted a law that made the United States Power Squadrons flag an official flag for U S yachts. Bob Korts Member USPS since 1960.

Did you know original ensign flags had sewn stars not embroidered stars like we see today. The stars were cut out of fabric and sewn around the edges.

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The Best Way to Display Burgees in a Yacht Club: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Burgees are an essential part of the identity and tradition of yacht clubs worldwide. They represent the club’s history, achievements, and values, and are often displayed with pride by members and guests alike. However, displaying burgees improperly or haphazardly can detract from the club’s image and tradition. In this article, we will explore the best way to display burgees in a yacht club, taking into account different types of burgees, suitable locations for display, mounting methods, and maintenance. Whether you are a new member or an experienced yachtsman, following the proper etiquette for burgee display can enhance the beauty and elegance of your yacht club, while preserving its heritage and prestige. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets of the best way to display burgees in your yacht club!

Understand the different types of burgees

Before we dive into the best way to display burgees in a yacht club, it’s essential to understand the different types of burgees that exist. The three main types of burgees are Club Burgees, Officer Burgees, and Special Event Burgees.

Club Burgees

A Club Burgee is a distinctive flag or pennant that represents the yacht club as a whole. It usually features the club’s emblem or logo and is the most commonly displayed burgee. The Club Burgee is often flown at the club’s main flagpole, clubhouse or displayed in a prominent location.

Officer Burgees

Officer Burgees are smaller flags that represent a specific club officer or position, such as the Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Rear Commodore, or Fleet Captain. These burgees are often flown on the officer’s boat or displayed in their office or workspace.

Special Event Burgees

Special Event Burgees are temporary flags that represent a specific event, such as a regatta, race, or social gathering. They are typically flown for the duration of the event and then retired or kept as a memento.

Understanding the different types of burgees is crucial for displaying them properly and with respect. By knowing the different types, you can ensure that each burgee is given the appropriate display location and treatment. In the next section, we will discuss the best location for displaying burgees in a yacht club.

Mounting methods for burgee display

There are several mounting methods available for displaying burgees, depending on the location and type of burgee being displayed. The most common methods include:

Halyard Mounting

The halyard mounting method involves attaching the burgee to a halyard, which is then hoisted up a flagpole. This method is commonly used for Club Burgees and Officer Burgees.

Wall Mounting

Wall mounting involves attaching the burgee to a wall using screws, hooks, or clips. This method is often used for displaying burgees in a designated Burgee Display Area.

Horizontal Mounting

Horizontal mounting involves attaching the burgee to a horizontal pole, which is then attached to a vertical surface such as a wall or post. This method is commonly used for displaying burgees in a designated Burgee Display Area.

Pennant String

A pennant string involves attaching several burgees to a single string and hanging it in a designated location. This method is often used for displaying special event burgees.

Here is a video related to this post:

When choosing a mounting method, it’s important to consider the location and the type of burgee being displayed. The method chosen should be secure, safe, and not cause any damage to the burgee or the location. In the next section, we will discuss how to maintain burgees for long-lasting display.

Maintaining burgees for long-lasting display

To ensure that burgees are displayed in their best condition and last for a long time, proper maintenance is crucial. The following tips can help you maintain your burgees:

Regularly clean your burgees to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a mild detergent and warm water, and gently scrub the burgee with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry before storing or displaying it again.

When not in use, store your burgees in a cool, dry, and dark location to avoid exposure to sunlight or moisture. You can roll them up or fold them neatly and store them in a dry, airtight container or bag.

Regularly inspect your burgees for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or discoloration. Repair any damages immediately to prevent further deterioration.

Replacement

Over time, burgees may become faded, torn, or damaged beyond repair. When this happens, it’s best to replace them with new ones to ensure a fresh and elegant display.

By following these tips, you can maintain your burgees in their best condition and display them with pride for years to come. In the next section, we will summarize the key points and provide some final thoughts on the best way to display burgees in a yacht club.

Displaying burgees is an important tradition in yacht clubs, and it’s essential to do it right. By understanding the different types of burgees, choosing the right location, selecting the appropriate mounting method, and maintaining the burgees correctly, you can display them with elegance and pride.

Remember, a well-displayed burgee represents the history, tradition, and achievements of the club and its members. It can enhance the club’s image and promote a sense of belonging and pride among members.

So, whether you are displaying the Club Burgee, Officer Burgees, or special event burgees, always take the time to do it right. Follow the guidelines we’ve outlined in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to displaying burgees in the best way possible.

We hope you found this article helpful, and we wish you all the best in your burgee display endeavors!

For more information on Yachts, we suggest reading this article !

Hope this helps! If you liked reading this article then you’ll surely love reading this article too!

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Much has changed in the 140 years since "robber baron" Jay Gould and a group of his friends founded the American Yacht Club in New York City. By 1887, clearly in need of a shore station, the club purchased "12 acres and some rocks known as Scotch Caps" from the Wainwright family at the tip of Milton Point in Rye, NY. The price was $6,000 for what has become one of the outstanding locations on Long Island Sound.

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To Order - Use our secure PayPal shopping cart and pay online.  If you want to pay with a check or money order, send an e-mail and we will send you a quote. All officer flags are the highest quality marine appliquéd flag available in the industry.  Flags identified with ** Table Top Officer flags are available in: Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Past Commodore, Surgeon, Chaplin (Christian), Port Captain, Fleet Captain, Secretary (Quills), Measurer, Quartermaster, Treasurer, and are in stock for immediate delivery.  Table Top flags for Directors are custom made and will take more time and may cost more. "Wind is our Mentor" and we feel we make the highest quality marine burgees available in the industry.  We use a 400 denier nylon cloth that is UV treated on both sides.  We buy our cloth direct from the Mill and are the only known supplier that offers UV treatment on both sides of the cloth.   Our cloth is also treated for mildew protection.   The burgee pattern is cut out using our 25 watt laser cutters and sewn on both sides simultaneously, appliqué style.  We double hem the burgees and use double and triple stitching in all wear points.  The hoist band is a polypropylene strap with two brass star grommets for attachment.  The heavy-duty hoist band and star grommets prevent the burgee from being torn apart by strong crewmembers.  We challenge you to find a better quality burgee.  These flags are designed to withstand a marine environment and are by far the highest quality flags on the market today. Indicated flags are in stock and can ship today, others are made to order and ship in 4 weeks.

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• clean high quality look • top quality threads • durable nylon flag material • state-of-the-art stitching method • special coated nylon resists ultraviolet light • call for quanities over 100, these prices are for club flags that are applique (cut and stitched). there is a one time set-up fee of $85.00 if pattern is not on file. price list is for read wrong applique (additional charge for flags that “read right” on both sides). overly intricate designs or appliques will be quoted separately. quantities of 5 or less will be quoted separately..

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Flags, Ensigns, and Burgees – Getting it Right

26th July 2023

Flags, Ensigns, and Burgees

Getting it right.

Flags and pennants tell a story to those who observe them, so a code of conduct or etiquette has been developed over the years to determine how flags and pennants should be properly flown. Here are eight simple tips on the proper way to display flags, ensigns, and burgees:

• There is only one flag to fly as the ensign on a Canadian yacht – the Maple leaf, the national flag. Resist the urge to fly the red ensign, the Union Jack or, heaven forbid, the skull and cross-bones. U.S. vessels also fly the national flag, the Stars and Stripes, as an ensign: however, two modified versions of the U.S. flag are sometimes flown as an ensign on pleasure craft – the yacht ensign (an anchor in a circle of stars with horizontal red stripes) or the U.S, Power Squadron’s ensign (an anchor in a circle of stars with vertical blue stripes). Strictly speaking, the modified versions are only supposed to be flown in U.S. domestic waters. U.S. Vessels travelling abroad should properly fly their national flag. A proper national flag size is one inch of flag for every foot of vessel length.
• The correct position for the ensign is the taffrail, (aftmost railing on the stern) set from a staff; or, under sail from the peak (upper end of a gaff) or two-thirds up the leech (Marconi-rigged) of the aftermost sail. If the boom of a sailing vessel will clear the ensign staff, it is acceptable to fly the ensign at the taffrail while under sail.
• Never hoist a faded or ragged flag. This should be self-explanatory but since many yachts still go about with a tattered flags, it seems we need to be reminded that flying flags is like dressing up or wearing a uniform.
• The ensign must come down at night. Colours should be made (ensigns and other flags hoisted) at sunrise. They should be lowered at sunset.
• The courtesy flag, the ensign of a foreign country, should be flown from the starboard crosstree while in the waters of the country (except for number six below). Some cruisers indulge in the mistaken belief that the higher a flag is the more important it is, and object to a foreign flag being hoisted above the height of their own national ensign. This is utterly misguided – the place of honour is at the stern – not flying a courtesy flag is not only rude but can lead to a fine in some countries.
• When entering foreign waters, and before clearing customs, the “Q” flag (yellow) should be hoisted and left up until clearance is granted. At that time a “Q” flag is replaced with the courtesy flag, which will remain flying until leaving that country’s waters.
• A club burgee (which is a pennant or triangular flag) is flown from the masthead, although many power boats follow Chapman’s rules of flag etiquette and display the club burgee on the bow. The difficulty nowadays is that many sailboats have wind vanes and antennas mounted at the masthead, which make flying a burgee from there problematic. One solution is to ensure the wind vane is mounted far enough forward or aft that it won’t hit a pig stick rising aloft on a separate halyard. A second option is to fly the burgee from a halyard attached to the starboard spreader.
• If you dress with code flags for special occasions they should be up only when you’re at anchor or moored to a dock, not underway. The flags are strung together in no special order except that, for appearance’s sake, The square flags and the pennants (triangular) are evenly spaced and the colours well contrasted. They should be strung from the stem head (or bowsprit end) to the masthead(s) and then down to the taffrail. Traditionally the pilot jack (a Union flag with white boarder) is hung below the end of the bowsprit. No club burgee, ensign or other distinguishing flag shall be included in the line but should be flown in their usual places.

(Deane Hislop in Partnership with Freedom Marine)

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Boating flag traditions and etiquette.

Information on Boating Flag Traditions and Etiquette

Back in the days before radio and other communications devices, flags were the primary means for communicating on the seas. As a result, strict protocol was adapted to ensure accurate communication and avoid misinterpretation of signalling intentions. Today, the tradition has much less significance because of modern electronics but those electronics can and do fail. Knowing how to follow acceptable protocol, and signals could save you in an emergency situation.

Text from Chapman's The following text was scanned and edited from the 61st addition of "Chapman Piloting Seamanship & Small Boat Handling", Elbert S. Maloney, Hearst Marine Books, New York, 1995. Graphics Restrictions Note, flags, ensigns, pennants, or burgee may not be drawn to exact scale. In many cases, it was necessary to compromise their scale in order to meet the restrictions of the media. Contents of this page

• United States Ensign
• United States Yacht Ensign
• United States Power Squadrons® Ensign
• Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons Ensign
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Ensign
• Yacht Club Burgee
• USPS Squadron Burgee
• Owner's Private Signal
• USPS Officer Flags
• USCG Auxiliary Officer Flags
• Size of Flags
• Raising and Lowering Flags

Dressing Ship

• Honoring Other National Flags
• Half-Masting Flags

Shop United States Ensign flags here

Shop United States Yacht Ensign flags here

Shop United States Power Squadron Ensign flags here

Shop United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign flags here

USPS Squadron Burgee A distinguishing USPS Squadron burgee which has been authorized by USPS may be flown in lieu of a club burgeeand from the same positions. This burgee may be flown by day only, or both day and night. Get a free quote online now for custom club burgees.

Owner's Private Signal This is generally swallow-tailed in shape, but may be rectangular or pennant-shaped. It is flown from the masthead of a single-masted motorboat or sailboat, or from the aftermost mast of motor or sailing vessels with two or more masts. It may be flown by day only, or day and night. A mastless motorboat may fly this signal from the bow staff in place of a club burgee. Get a free quote online now for custom owner's private signal flags.

Officer Flags Flags designating yacht club or USPS officers are rectangular in shape, blue (with white design) for senior officers; red for next lower in rank; and white (with blue design) for lower ranks. Other officer flags may be swallow-tailed or triangular in shape. An officer flag is flown in place of the owner's private signal on all rigs of motor and sailing vessels except single-masted sailboats, when it is flown in place of the club burgee at the masthead. On smaller motor boats without a signal mast, a USPS officer flag may be flown from a radio antenna, preferably to starboard, either singly or beneath the USPS ensign.

USCG Auxiliary Officer Flags The flag of a USCG Auxiliary officer flies day and night when the officer is on board. On a vessel without a mast, it is flown at the bow staff in place of the USCG Auxiliary ensign; on a vessel with a mast, it is flown at the starboard spreader. Past officer burgees are displayed in the same manner. Only one officers pennant may be flown at a time, and an incumbent officers pennant invariably takes precedence. When the Auxiliary ensign is displayed, it is considered improper to hoist a guest, owner absent, meal, cocktail, or novelty flag.

Shop Union Jack flags here

Size of Flags Although flags come in a fixed, standardized series of sizes, there are guidelines which will help in selecting the proper size for your boat. Keeping in mind that flags are more often too small than too large, use the rules given below, and round upward to the nearest larger standard size. The flag at the stern of your boat-U.S. ensign, yacht ensign, or USPS ensign-should be one inch on the fly for each foot of overall length. The hoist will normally be two-thirds of the fly, but some flags such as the USCG Auxiliary ensign have different proportions. Other flags such as club burgees, officer flags, and private signals for use on sailboats should be approximately 1/2 inch on the fly for each foot of the highest mast above the water. For flying on powerboats, these flags should be roughly 5/8 inch on the fly for each foot of overall length. The shape and proportions of pennants and burgees will be prescribed by the organization to which they relate. A union jack should be the same size as the corresponding portion of the national ensign.

Here is a handy chart to help you find what size flag you need for your vessel.

A handy guide to flying the U.S. flag on a boat can be found on our flag etiquette page.

Raising and Lowering Flags "Colors are made" each morning at 0800; as mentioned, at yacht club and similar organization docks or anchorages, this may be signaled by a morning gun. The national ensign or yacht ensign is hoisted at the stern (or set in place on its staff). This is followed by the USPS ensign at the starboard spreader (if not already flying on a day-and-night basis) provided the skipper is an active member of USPS. Then comes the club burgee or Squadron burgee at the bow, and the private signal at the masthead. (An officer flag, if flown in place of a private signal, would be flown continuously.) If the boat bears a valid USCG Auxiliary Facility decal, it would be flying the Auxiliary ensign at the masthead day and night. The USCG Auxiliary officers pennant or burgee may be flown day or night. On smaller craft, the same sequence should be followed, with the flags on their staff being set in the appropriate locations. At sunset, colors not properly flown on a day-and-night basis should be lowered in reverse sequence, the ensign at the stern always being the last to be secured.

On national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often "dress ship" with International Code signal flags. The ship is dressed at 0800, and remains so dressed until evening colors (while at anchor only, except for a vessel's maiden and final voyages, and participation in a marine parade or other unique situation). We sell a string pennant set of signal flags that are great for easily dressing ship for parades and regattas. In dressing ship, the yacht ensign is hoisted at the stern staff, and the Union Jack may be displayed at the jack (bow) staff. A rainbow of flags of the International Code is arranged, reaching from the water line forward to the water line aft, by way of the bowsprit end (or stem if there's no bowsprit) and the masthead(s). Flags and pennants are bent on alternately, rather than in any indiscriminate manner. Since there are twice as many letter flags as numeral pennants, it is good practice, as in the Navy, to follow a sequence of two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, throughout.

The sequence recommended here provides a harmonious color pattern throughout: Starting from forward: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater.

Honoring Other National Flags As a matter of courtesy, it is proper to fly the flag of a foreign nation on your boat when you enter and operate on its waters. There are only a limited number of positions from which flags may be displayed, and consequently when a flag of another nation is flown, it usually must displace one of the flags commonly displayed in home waters. It is not hoisted until clearance has been completed and the yellow "Q" flag has been removed, and the vessel has been granted pratique by the appropriate authorities. The following are general guidelines to follow regarding courtesy flags:

• On a mastless powerboat, the courtesy flag of another nation replaces any flag that is normally flown at the bow of the boat.
• When a motorboat has a mast with spreaders, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader.
• On a two-masted motorboat, the courtesy flag displaces any flag normally flown at the forward starboard spreader.
• On a sailboat, the courtesy flag is flown at the boat's starboard spreader, whether the United States ensign is at the stern staff, or flown from the leech. If there is more than one mast, the courtesy flag is flown from the starboard spreader of the forward mast.

Although these points serve as protocol in most waters, keep in mind that customs observed in various foreign waters differ from one another; in case of doubt, inquire locally or observe other craft from your country. As noted previously, U.S. vessels while in international or foreign waters must fly the U.S. ensign (50-star flag) at the stern or gaff or leech, rather than the USPS ensign or the yacht ensign. When the starboard spreader is used for the "courtesy ensign" of the foreign country, the USPS ensign or similar flag may be flown from the port spreader; if the vessel has multiple flag halyards on the starboard spreader, the USPS ensign is flown there, inboard from the courtesy ensign. The U.S. ensign, club burgee, officer flag, and private signal are flown as in home waters. Don't fly a foreign courtesy ensign after you have returned to U.S. waters. Although this may show that you've "been there," it is not proper flag etiquette.

Half-Masting Flags A flag is flown at half-mast (or half-staff) in respect for a deceased person. Although there are no laws governing the half-masting of flags on private vessels, or at private homes and clubs, most citizens follow the flag display customs that are used on U.S. Government buildings and ships. The only authorities who can direct that the U.S. ensign be flown at half-mast are the President and the governor of a state, territory or possession. The duration varies from a day or so up to 30 days, determined by the deceased person's position. It is not correct for a yacht club commodore, or official of a similar organization, to order the U.S. ensign to be flown at half-mast to honor a deceased member -- only the burgee or organization flag may be half-masted. On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is flown at half-mast until 1220, the time of the final gun of the traditional 21-gun salute commencing at noon. On a simple flagstaff-as at the stern of a vessel or a flagpole ashore-the "half-mast" position is approximately three/fourths the way up to the top. If the flagpole has a yardarm, or yardarm and gaff, the half-mast position is that which is level with the yardarm. When the U.S. flag is displayed at half-mast on a vessel, other flags remain at their normal position. When it is half-masted ashore, fly only a private signal or club burgee at masthead of a gaff-rigged mast with it. When the U.S. ensign is to be flown at half-mast, it should be hoisted fully and smartly, then lowered ceremoniously to the half-mast position. Before lowering, it is again raised to full height and lowered from there. Some yacht clubs follow the practice of flying the burgee at half-mast for a period of mourning on the death of a club member. A private signal may be flown at half-mast on the death of the owner of that vessel.

You can learn even more about flag etiquette for boating at United States Power Squadrons . This group the world's largest recreational boating organization with more than 35,000 members and they teach boating courses for those just getting into power boating or sailing or anyone needing a brush up course after time away from the sport.

International Signal Flags The International Code of Signals is a system of internationally recognized alphabetical and numerical flags and pennants that can be used to communicate on the open water. The set is also known as International Code Signal and the nautical flag alphabet. Boat enthusiasts also use the flags and pennants in fun ways to decorate their homes and boats. We sell 3 varieties of these flags plus a full set of string pennants that are perfect for dressing ship. Our flags come either with grommets, rope and snap hook or rope and toggle for the traditionalists. Full kits or individual flags are available.

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For the Oldest International Yacht Club list, click here

Narragansett Boat Club , RI -- 1838

Detroit Boat Club , MI -- 1839

New York Yacht Club , RI -- 1844

Mobile Yacht Club , Al -- 1847

Biloxi Yacht Club , MS -- 1849

Pass Christian Yacht Club , MS -- 1849

Southern Yacht Club , LA -- 1849

Springfield Yacht Club , MA -- 1850

Carolina Yacht Club , NC, US -- 1853

Hoboken Yacht Club -- 1856

Brooklyn Yacht Club -- 1857

Jersey City Yacht Club -- 1858

Buffalo Yacht Club , NY -- 1860

Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club , WI -- 1864

Carteret Boat Club -- 1865 Currently Raritan Yacht Club , NJ

Riverton Yacht Club , NJ -- 1865

Toledo Yacht Club , OH -- 1865

Williamsburgh Yacht Club , NY -- 1865

Atlantic Yacht Club NY -- 1866

Boston Yacht Club , MA -- 1866

Palisades Boat Club , NY -- 1866

Detroit Yacht Club , MI -- 1868

New York Athletic Club Yacht Club, NY -- 1868

South Boston Yacht Club , MA -- 1868 Bunker Hill Yacht Club, CT -- 1869 New Hamburgh Yacht Club , NY -- 1869 Oshkosh Yacht Club , WI -- 1869 Portland Yacht Club , ME -- 1869 San Francisco Yacht Club , CA -- 1869\ Fishers Island Yacht Club , CT -- 1996 Savannah Yacht Club , GA -- 1869 Eastern Yacht Club , MA -- 1870 Lynn Yacht Club, MA -- 1870 Manhattan Yacht Club -- 1870 Milwaukee Yacht Club , WI -- 1870 Beverly Yacht Club , MA -- 1871 New Jersey Yacht Club -- 1871 North Shore Yacht Club , NY -- 1871 Seawanhaka Yacht Club , NY -- 1871 Toms River Yacht Club , NY -- 1871 Old Club Yacht Club, MI -- 1872 * Santa Barbara Yacht Club , CA -- 1872 St Augustine Yacht Club , FL -- 1873 Albany Yacht Club, NY -- 1873 Hudson River Yacht Club, NY -- 1873 Knickerbocker Yacht Club , NY -- 1874 Lake Geneva Yacht Club , WI -- 1874 Perth Amboy Yacht Club -- 1874 Currently Raritan Yacht Club Quincy Yacht Club, MA -- 1874 Chicago Yacht Club , IL -- 1875 Duxbury Yacht Club, MA -- 1875 Rhode Island Yacht Club , RI -- 1875 Savin Hill Yacht Club , MA -- 1875 Varuna Yacht Club, NY -- 1875 * Florida Yacht Club , FL -- 1876 Bristol Yacht Club , RI -- 1877 Great Salt Lake Yacht Club , UT-- 1877 New Bedford Yacht Club , MA -- 1877 Rochester Yacht Club , NY -- 1877 Marblehead Yacht Club , MA -- 1878 as Marblehead Boat Club Cleveland Yachting Club , OH -- 1878 Monmouth Boat Club , NJ -- 1879 Yonkers Yacht Club , NY -- 1879 Larchmont Yacht Club , NY -- 1880 Old Dominion Boat Club , VA -- 1880 Chelsea Yacht Club , NY -- 1881 as Carthage Ice Yacht Club O swego Yacht Club , NY -- 1881 Yale Corinthian Yacht Club , CT -- 1881 Narragansett Yacht Club, RI -- 1882 Beach Haven Yacht Club, NJ -- 1882 Raritan Yacht Club -- 1882 American Yacht Club , NY -- 1883 Carolina Yacht Club, SC -- 1883 Fort Schuyler Club Yacht Squadron , NY -- 1883 Harlem Yacht Club , NY, US -- 1883 Minnetonka Yacht Club , MN, US -- 1883 Onondaga Yacht Club , NY -- 1883 Winthrop Yacht Club , MA -- 1884 Quannapowitt Yacht Club , MA, US -- 1884 American Yacht Club , MA -- 1885 Bar Harbor Yacht Club , ME -- 1885 Corinthian Yacht Club , MA -- 1885 Inter-Lake Yachting Association -- 1885 Newburgh Yacht Club, NY -- 1885 Sandy Bay Yacht Club , MA -- 1885 Shattemuc Yacht Club , NY -- 1885 Annapolis Yacht Club , MD -- 1886 Chelsea Yacht Club , MA -- 1886 Corinthian Yacht Club of San Francisco , CA -- 1886 Ischoda Yacht Club , CT -- 1886 Put-in-Bay Yacht Club , OH -- 1886 Red Dragon Canoe Club , NJ -- 1886

San Diego Yacht Club , CA -- 1886

Shelter Island Yacht Club , NY -- 1886

Biscayne Bay Yacht Club , FL -- 1887

Cedar Point Yacht Club , CT -- 1887

Housatonic Boat Club, CT -- 1887

Lake Champlain Yacht Club , VT -- 1887

Quaker City Yacht Club , PA -- 1887

Volunteer Yacht Club , MA -- 1887

Bay Head Yacht Club , NJ -- 1888

Riverside Yacht Club , CT -- 1888

Belle Haven Yacht Club  -- 1889

Edgewood Yacht Club , RI -- 1889

Indian Harbor Yacht Club , CT -- 1989

Dorchester Yacht Club , MA -- 1889

Excelsior Yacht Club , NY -- 1889

Indian Harbor Yacht Club , CT -- 1889

Tacoma Yacht Club , WA -- 1889

Yonkers Corinthian Yacht Club , NY -- 1889

Center Harbor Yacht Club, ME -- 1890

Plymouth Yacht Club , MA -- 1890

Squantum Yacht Club , MA -- 1890

Stamford Yacht Club , CT -- 1890

Stuyvesant Yacht Club , NY -- 1890

Washington Yacht Squadron, Ltd, NY -- 1890

Anacortes Yacht Club , WA, US -- 1891

Hempstead Harbour Club , NY -- 1891

Manhasset Bay Yacht Club , NY -- 1891

Capital Yacht Club , DC -- 1892

Columbia Yacht Club , IL -- 1892

Conanicut Yacht Club , RI -- 1892

Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia , PA -- 1892

Encinal Yacht Club , CA -- 1892

New York Athletic Club Yacht Club , NY -- 1892

Sea Cliff Yacht Club , NY -- 1892

Seattle Yacht Club , WA, -- 1892

Yapewi Aquatic Club , NJ -- 1892

Hingham Yacht Club , MA -- 1893

Lake Beulah Yacht Club , WI -- 1893

Sodus Bay Yacht Club , NY -- 1893

Weekapaug Yacht Club , RI -- 1893

Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club , NY -- 1894

Cohasset Yacht Club, MA -- 1894

Huguenot Yacht Club , NY -- 1894

Huntington Yacht Club , NY -- 1894

Iroquois Yacht Club, NY -- 1894

Newport Yacht Club , RI -- 1894

Saginaw Bay Yacht Club , MI -- 1894

Sandusky Yacht Club , OH -- 1894

Nahant Dory Club , MA -- 1894

Norwalk Yacht Club , CT -- Founded 1894

Erie Yacht Club , PA -- 1895

Hingham Yacht Club , MA -- 1895

Annisquam Yacht Club , MA -- 1896

Bass River Yacht Club , MA -- 1896

Bay-Waveland Yacht Club , MS -- 1896

Diamond Point Yacht Club , NY -- 1896

Halifax River Yacht Club , FL, -- 1896

Jackson Park Yacht Club, IL -- 1896

Jubilee Yacht Club , MA, -- 1896

Red Bank Yacht Club , NJ -- 1896

South Bay Yacht Club CA -- 1896

Houston Yacht Club , TX -- 1897

Spring Lake Yacht Club , MI, -- 1897

St Regis Yacht Club, NY -- 1897

Portsmouth Yacht Club , NH -- 1898

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club , MI -- 1899

Northport Yacht Club , NY -- 1899

Sag Harbor Yacht Club NY -- 1899

Seaside Park Yacht Club , NJ -- 1899

Raritan Yacht Club, NJ, 1911

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Since its humble beginnings in 1966, the ALYC has indeed grown and flourished to become an outstanding and recognized member of the Southern California yachting community.

On the evening of April 23, 1966, certain members of The American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 held an organizational meeting. The purpose to the meeting was to establish a Corinthian Yacht Club.

During this meeting the following officers were elected: Commodore-Ken Cohn, Vice Commodore-Wally Stephens, Fleet Captain-Charles Trapp, and Port Captain-John McHugh. The name of the new yacht club was The American Legion Yacht Club (ALYC). Bylaws and standing rules were written and established, using the Bylaws of The New York Yacht Club as a guide. The ALYC burgee, a red, white, and blue tri-cornered pennant with “sniper scope” crosshairs at the center, was designed by Mel Noack and fabricated by Nikki’s Flag Shop of Newport Beach.

The American Legion Yacht Club was incorporated in the state of California on January 23, 1967.

In 1987 the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 granted the ALYC the use of a heritage building (known as the “Hut”) located on their property. That same year a full restoration of the “Hut” was completed by the ALYC. All materials and fixtures were donated by a combination of sponsors from Post 291, ALYC members, and various community businesses.

Also in 1987, the American Legion Yacht Club (with a membership of 140) applied for, and became, a Regular Member of the (SCYA).

Today the ALYC has grown to more than a 1000 members. The current membership includes, in addition to its local membership, members from all over the United States and many foreign countries. In addition to reciprocity with yacht clubs throughout the U.S., the ALYC enjoys reciprocal privileges with over 50 other Southern California yacht clubs.

Each year the American Legion Yacht Club sponsors many community-oriented programs including the  “Sail for the Visually Impaired.” Perhaps the best known ALYC-sponsored activity is the annual “Old Glory Boat Parade” on the Fourth of July. This has become one of the premier and largest spectator events of the summer in Newport Harbor.

In 1994 the Southern California Yachting Association inaugurated its “Club of the Year” awards program. The purpose of this award program is to promote Corinthian Spirit in yachting, foster the exchange of information among yacht clubs, encourage civic involvement and reward participation in SCYA activities. In 1994 the American Legion Yacht Club was named “SCYA Club of the Year”. The ALYC won this award a total of nine times; again in 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2008, 2010 and 2014.

There are two classes of memberships available in the ALYC, Flag and Regular memberships. Voting and office-holding privileges are restricted to Flag members. To qualify for a Flag membership the candidate must be a member in good standing of . To qualify for Regular membership candidates must be affiliated with Post 291, or any other American Legion Post, either by Legion membership or by membership in the or .