Do you want to go sailing but don’t own a boat? You can share the use of club-owned boats at City Island Yacht Club (CIYC). Now in its 15th year, the CIYC Club Boat Program gives members the opportunity to sail and skipper boats in Western Long Island Sound, one of the best sailing areas in the Northeast.
The fleet includes three Catalina 25s and a Merit 25, with availability based on maintenance and launching schedules. The Catalina 25s are among the most popular mini-cruisers sailing today. The Merit 25 is a fast and comfortable racer-cruiser. All are tiller-steered and equipped with outboard engines.
Members run the program, care for and sail the boats. Spring and fall work parties offer the opportunity to meet other members and learn the basics of boat maintenance. The sailing season extends from early May through mid October.
Social events take place throughout the year. CIYC is well known for its friendly membership, convivial atmosphere and great restaurant. Club Boat members have full facility and waterfront privileges. Boat-owning CIYC members often invite Club Boaters to crew for them during races, day sails and even weekend cruises.
How the Program Works
Good seamanship and safe sailing are CIYC Club Boat priorities. Therefore, all members must have a New York State Safe Boating Certificate or the equivalent from another state. Several courses, many of them free, can be found online.
All members join initially as crew and can sail with experienced members for as long as they like. Those who wish to become skippers have additional requirements. A Club Boat mentor guides them through the process.
Skipper candidates must pass (or have passed) the American Sailing Association basic keelboat sailing course (ASA 101) or the equivalent as approved by Club Boat Leadership. Courses may be taken at the CIYC ASA Sailing School, www.cityislandyc.org/school/, or elsewhere.
Experienced sailors may “Challenge the Course” by skipping the lessons and passing the ASA 101 written and on-the-water tests.
After passing the ASA course, skipper applicants must sail with experienced Club Boat skippers to learn the nuances of our waters, the boundaries of where they may sail, and gain the skills needed to captain a boat on their own. Once the applicant is ready, they may request a formal evaluation by a designated Club Boat evaluator.
Once approved as a qualified skipper, members can reserve boats and day sail.
For Club Boat Information: Contact Club Boat Membership Chair Gilberto Arribas at
or 646-262-1929.