RRYC offer a range of sailing activities tailored to meet the interests of current members. As a relatively small club we focus on certain core sailing activities and run rigorous programs for these each year. These core sailing activities are managed by our “Fleets”, each with a designated Fleet Commander. We then supplement our programs with a variety of additional sailing related activities both on and off the water. RRYC also utilize and encourage relationships with other local clubs and sailing organizations to expand the range of sailing and sail training opportunities available to members.
Our Cruising Fleet facilitates perhaps the oldest reason for sailing, that of using a sailboat to travel. The Fleet Commander and team coordinate a program of cruises to destinations throughout the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. The camaraderie of sailboat ownership is encouraged and we pride ourselves in having a nurturing environment that allows those new to cruising to participate and grow in confidence for whatever their ultimate cruising goals may be.
Our Performance Handicap Racing Formula (PHRF) Fleet enables almost any sailboat to participate in a race environment with races that are structure in a way that allows us to cater for beginners through to serious competitive sailors. Our sailing has both weekday events and weekend regattas and is enhanced through races run by other clubs. Our PHRF flagship events are the RRYC Commodores Cup and the Turkey Shoot Hospice Regatta.
Our One-Design Typhoon Fleet offers competitive one design racing throughout the spring and fall seasons. The Cape Dory Typhoon is a safe, stable boat, it is relatively inexpensive to keep and maintain but is also fun to sail. We offer weekday sailing through our spring and fall Ty series and the Ty’s also compete in our PHRF events. Our Ty flagship regatta is the biennial Typhoon Nationals, the Ty’s also race their own class in the Turkey Shoot Hospice Regatta.
Club sailing would not be club sailing without a Junior Fleet and dinghy sailing events. We have club owned ”Opti’s”,” Sunfish”, “420’s” and several other dinghies that are the core resource for junior sailing. These dinghies are used during a summer camp for member’s youngsters, weekend fun-days, ad hoc sailing. The club dinghies are available for member use when they are not required for a club event. The dinghy flagship event is our annual “Messing About in Boats” dinghy regatta.
Our other Fleets are a “Duffy” motor boat fleet for a more leisurely form of on water activity and a Kayak Fleet for those seeking a human powered version of on water exploits.
Whilst being on-the-water is our ultimate goal, we prepare for and enhance our on-water activity with sailing lessons, familiarizations and seminars. The club organizes member led instruction during which we seek to improve skill and confidence with events run in a safe and friendly environment. We also utilize external speakers and subject matter experts to supplement our in-house expertise. The exact topics and subjects covered each year are dependent on members expressed wants at that time and the club is keen to facilitate discussion so that we can adapt our offerings to be relevant and well attended.