DATES TO REMEMBER
1 May: General Membership Meeting 7:00pm
18 May: Paddlesports Skill and Safety Workshop 10:00am – 12:00pm
19 May: Paddlesports Skill and Safety Workshop 6:30pm – 8:30pm
7 June: Commissioning Celebration 5:00pm – 9:00pm
COMMODORE’S CORNER
Hello everyone!
It must be spring…daylight savings is in place, the flowers are sprouting, the ospreys are in their nests, and the weekends have been rainy, breezy and 40 degrees. It’s spring in New England!
As we prepare for summer, the Staff is working on getting the Club ready for the 7 June Commissioning Day. The outside of the house is under repair and will be given a new coat of paint by the end of May. Improvements to the floats and docks continue and will be ongoing throughout the summer. Summer staff hires are just about competed and soon, Junior Activities will have the sailing program in full swing. Regatta Committee has published the Notice of Race for the Summer Series and the Offshore Committee is just about ready for the start of the Bermuda One-Two Race on 6 June.
The Board of Directors, all of whom are very capable and diligent, continue to work with their respective committees to get the Club ready for the high season so the membership can enjoy the Club as much as possible.
Keep in mind the dates for upcoming Club events which are listed in this edition and I hope to see you at the Club particularly on Commissioning Day.
FJ Ritt, Commodore
PADDLESPORTS WORKSHOP — REGISTRATION OPEN
Get ready to make this your most fun paddling season yet! Come to a dynamic ASHORE paddling workshop designed for ALL skill levels.
What You’ll Gain:
- Pro Skill Insights: From efficient stroke mechanics to self-rescue
- Top Gear Tips: Find the right paddle, board, or kayak—and learn essential maintenance hacks
- Safety First: Understand new state safety laws, on-water protocols, and emergency preparedness
- Local Insider Knowledge: Discover the best paddling spots and paddle events
Choose your session:
Sunday, May 18 | 10 AM–12 PM, or…
Monday, May 19 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Both workshops are free, ashore at Newport Yacht Club, and open to everyone—whether it’s your first paddle or your hundredth. The public and families are welcome, bring them along. Seats fill up fast, so reserve yours now by emailing NewportPaddles@cityofnewport.com.
Let’s build a stronger, safer paddling community together. See you there!
Register by emailing NewportPaddles@cityofnewport.com
FLOAT AND DOCK COMMITTEE
The Club staff along with many volunteers and the committee are working to prepare the marina for the summer season which begins May 1st. Some new docks have been installed, the hoist is being proof tested, and we are hiring summer staff. Also, we are now accepting summer reservations on Dockwa for short visits.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The current waitlist is posted on the Club bulletin board. There are several listed as sponsors who are no longer members. It is the responsibility of the remaining sponsor to secure a new sponsor for the applicant. Failure to do this will result in the applicant’s name being “skipped over” in the Committee’s consideration of applicants. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the committee members if you have any questions.
Thank you,
NYC Membership Committee: Scott Walker Chair; Coleen Raposa; Tom Mallot; Norm Bailey
JUNIOR SAILING
Hello all members from Junior Sailing. Hope you all are getting as excited for the upcoming summer season as we are here at Junior Sailing. As camp is closing fast, I am pleased to report we have all four sessions full with campers. Scholarships account for 12 to 14 depending on acceptance from Newport’s schools.
With camp sessions full, we are now moving to fund raising. We could use your help if you are able. Our primary mission is to have 10 to 12 “Name The Boat” donations which, if our goal is completed, will raise $6,000 for repairs on the aged fleet as well as offset other operational expenses as needed for a break-even bottom line. To donate you can contact any Junior Sailing committee member or donate directly to the office with the name you want to appear on the boat as well as notation for Junior Sailing donation. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE for your support of our program.
Staffing update, I am pleased to report we will have some of the Irish students returning. They provide both skill and a cultural experience for our campers. When staffing is complete, an introduction of names and biographies will be made to all members.
Big Boat Event. Dates have been set for this activity as follows: Thursday June 26, Thursday July 10, Thursday July 24, and finally Thursday August 14. The format this year is a morning sail for the campers to experience sailing on a big boat. We expect a morning departure with sailing to the Newport Bridge and back so the kids can have their lunch. This is different this year as it was difficult for us to secure volunteers last year for a complete day. We hope with a 1/2 day event it may fit into more volunteers’ schedules. We need six boats per date to support all the campers and staff.
Thank you for your support, I will keep you updated as more events and dates are secured for the upcoming season.
Junior Sailing Committee,
Al Sgambato Chair, Aedan Gleeson, Steve Morin, Greg Bader Yong, Michael Barszcz
BUILDING GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Hosting, organizing, and/or supporting local, regional, national and international sailing events is just one way the our Club builds community and strengthens Newport’s global position as the sailing capital of the world. Note this partnership which builds on our longstanding relationship with the Royal Western Yacht Club:
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Royal Western Yacht Club of England for their nonstop around-the-world race! This incredible event features both single and double-handed races and kicks off in September 2026 from Plymouth, England. It’s a massive honor for our club to be part of such a prestigious race. Don’t miss out on the excitement!
Click here to watch a quick video