Berkeley Smith, Commodore 2008

Portland Yacht Club Located on Marine Drive, PYC has a commanding view of the eastern entrance to North Portland Harbor, on the inside of Hayden and Tomahawk Islands. Our riverfront property reaches a half-mile downstream from the clubhouse, and provides moorage for two-thirds of the club’s 260 boat owning members, divided about 50/50 sail and power. The club offers open moorage for sailboats, space for member-owned boathouses for powerboats, and new concrete docks for both. PYC also has its own private fuel dock and a pump-out station.

Outstation The club’s member-only Willow Bar Outstation is located just 12 miles downstream from the clubhouse in a bay on the Columbia River side of beautiful Sauvie Island, It’s “our second home on the river.” Within the outstation’s protected, no-current confines are docks that accommodate 50-to-60 boats on a major cruise. The docks offer 30-amp power, water and a huge, enclosed patio float ideal for parties. Facilities include restrooms, shower and a kitchen.

Cruising Major club cruises include Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day events, annual Down-the-River cruise, and a cruise to Barkley Sound every other year. There are stag cruises, ladies cruises, and the closing day cruise to Beacon Rock.

Sailing A major participant and sponsor of sailing races and regattas, PYC has talented and extremely competitive sailors who score high in these events. PYC sailors compete in regattas around the Northwest and also participate in major events such as the Oregon Offshore, Swiftsure and Pacific Cup. PYC has partnered with the Willamette Sailing Club to offer youth sailing programs.

Social & Civic Our spacious clubhouse is the centerpiece for many family social events from Opening Day ceremonies to the highly popular Crab Feed, Salmon Barbeque, Octoberfest and many events around Christmas. Members don their finest for New Year’s Eve and the Commodore’s Ball. There are Ladies Dinners, a Sailors Dinner, Mother’s Day brunch and many more events. Every spring, the club sponsors an education program on Saturdays that covers a wide range of nautical topics. Many of our members belong to boating-related organizations such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons. PYC is proud of its affiliation with organizations such as Columbia River Yachting Association, US Sailing, and Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association.

History Portland Yacht Club had its beginnings in 1908 as the Willamette Motor Yacht Club, later named the Portland Motor Boat Club. It received its current name in the 1920s. The current clubhouse was built in 1952 after the original was damaged during the Vanport Flood of 1948. PYC, Oregon’s oldest yacht club, is currently preparing to celebrate its 100th Year in grand style with many gala events planned for our 2008 Centennial.

Tradition Opening Day is when Portland Yacht Club shows off its nautical heritage, competing very successfully for Columbia River Yachting Association awards for the fleet, its décor and its seamanship as club boats pass in review. Our truly great facilities notwithstanding, it is our members who make this club succeed for the fun, benefit and enjoyment of all.

For membership information, stop by the clubhouse, call us at (503) 285-1922.