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About

Black Rock Yacht Club is a private, member-owned club located in the historic village of Black Rock, Connecticut. Overlooking the scenic Long Island Sound, BRYC offers exceptional sailing, swimming, tennis, and dining experiences. With stunning waterfront views and a vibrant community, our members create lasting memories year-round.

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Since its incorporation on July 3, 1926, we’ve proudly upheld our mission to:
  • Encourage and support sailing and sailboat racing.
  • Offer athletic programs that build community, sportsmanship, and teamwork for members of all ages.
  • Foster a collegial dining and social environment.
Whether sailing on the water, dining with friends, or celebrating at one of our many club events, Black Rock Yacht Club is where friendships thrive and unforgettable memories are made.

Membership

Mission

Since 1926, our mission has been to preserve and enhance our Club's reputation and prestige by encouraging and supporting yachting and yacht racing; to offer athletic programs that build community, sportsmanship and team skills among members of all ages; and to foster a collegial dining and social environment.



A History of Black Rock Yacht Club

Black Rock Yacht Club traces its origins to 1874 when George A. Wells, an associate of P.T. Barnum, purchased a building on the land where the clubhouse now stands. The building became part of the renowned George Hotel, famous for its elegance and charm.

The clubhouse was originally used as a bar and for shore dinners, known at the time as “Pleasure Hall.” Bathing facilities for the hotel’s 200+ guests were quite different then, with sandy beaches and clear blue water. A 500-foot pier extended into the channel, remnants of which—some pilings and from the hotel and its cottages—can still be seen at low tide. By 1902, the glory days of the George Hotel had passed, and the "Shore House," as our present clubhouse was known, was sold.

For years, the spacious harbor house was primarily a summer retreat for entertaining. That changed on July 3, 1926, when it officially opened as the Black Rock Yacht and Lawn Club, flying the red and white burgee of the former Bridgeport Yacht Club.

On January 16, 1926, The Black Rock Yacht and Lawn Club Inc. (renamed to its present name in 1927) reached an agreement with Kenneth W. McNeil, the property’s owner, to purchase the land and its improvements. The club finalized the purchase on June 15, 1932.

The first Fayerweather Lighthouse was built in 1808, the only lighthouse between New Haven and Eaton’s Neck, Long Island. However, on September 22, 1821, a powerful southeast gale devastated the island, destroying the lighthouse, uprooting great trees, and washing every vessel in the harbor ashore. One sloop was dismasted, and a vessel carrying six men went down with all hands lost.

In 1835, the present lighthouse was constructed at a cost of $8,000. It remained in service until 1932, when it was replaced by two automatic blinkers. The outer blinker was destroyed in 1950 and later replaced. Although the lighthouse has faced demolition many times, it has endured thanks to the dedication of local citizens who cherish its beauty and history.

— Art Samuelson, MD