History

1900 Tiverton Basin
If you're wondering what Tiverton Basin looked like a hundred years ago, the postcard at left dates from 1904 to 1918 and shows the view from Portsmouth. At right is the site on Main Road at the foot of Middle Avenue as it looked in 1895 of the approximate location of what would become Standish Boat Yard.

1938 to 1947
The origins of TYC are with the Fall River Yacht Club. Situated on Riverside Drive, immediately south of the current TYC and directly across the street from the John Moran homestead, FRYC served the ample interest in racing and sailing of Tiverton residents. In addition to the 20 foot porch overlooking the harbor, the south water frontage of the adjacent wharf was reserved for the exclusive use of the members. The clubhouse was destroyed by the 1938 Hurricane, pictured at right, and for several years Tiverton residents were without a yacht club. The old stone pilings of that building are still visible extending out into the harbor.

Continued interest in yachting, especially Candy Class sailboat racing, spurred a group of Tivertonians to launch a drive for a new yacht club in the fall of 1945.

Several informal meetings were held in the home of Carlton Grinnell and the first organizational meeting was held at the home of Stewart Grinnell, who became the club’s first secretary.

It was decided to lease the second floor of the building on the dock at the foot of Middle Ave. [now Standish Boatyard], whose new owners, Henry Walsh, his son, Harry and son-in law James Mataronas, had agreed to install a soda bar, cover the walls with knotty pine, lay a hardwood floor in the clubroom, construct a large porch on the second floor waterside and build a bridge directly from the street side second floor to the Main Road sidewalk for easy access. Additionally, a 20-foot addition was built on the building south end, giving the TYC a 60 X 30 foot area. The south water frontage of the wharf was to be for the exclusive use of the members of the new club. Point of interest, the facility had just been purchased by Mr. Walsh’s group from Francis Manchester.

Standish boatyard looks very much the same today as it did in the early 1950s.

A successful membership drive in the spring of 1946 insured a healthy future for the new TYC when it held its first annual meeting at Whitridge Hall, Lawton Avenue in Tiverton’s Stone Bridge area, on April 11.

The first meeting of the TYC board of directors was held on May 3 when the first flag officers of the new club were elected. Stewart Grinnnell, the first Commodore, initiated the racing program. The 1946 season saw the first formal racing schedule, a series of social events, and all sorts of new equipment for the club. During this period of expansion, the Tiverton Candy Boat Fleet [the primary sailboat racing class of the TYC] increased in size to a registration of 42 boats, and the powerboat fleet numbered 26, with the total membership of 206 yacht club individuals.

Towards the end of the 1947 season, while Carleton Grinnell was president and Robert T. Richards commodore, several important changes were made in the by-laws. It was voted to abolish the system of dual officers and to instruct the running of the club to the flag officers and board of directors. The board was to consist of fifteen members, five to be elected per year for a three-year term.
1954 to 1958
Hurricane Carol devastated the area in 1954.

As the club continued to grow it became apparent that more suitable quarters were needed. In 1955 a committee was appointed to find a new site and on October 4, 1955 an historic three story Victorian house at 54 Riverside Drive (next to the lot formerly occupied by the old Fall River Yacht Club) was purchased from club member Ken Brown. Originally known as the Bay View House it was built in 1871 for use as a hotel by Philander Smith. In the 1890's it became a house of entertainment for transients featuring weekly clambake dinners. Later owners are presumed as it has also been known as the Abner Tallman House as well as the “Faucett House”.

The purchased building and grounds enabled TYC to open the 1956 season, under the leadership of Commodore Leonard Mersey, with the added facilities of a bathing beach, senior and junior quarters, a separate galley and new clubhouse furnishings. A new wharf, outdoor barbeque, horseshoe and shuffleboard courts were added in the next few years. The simple "T" dock which extended out into the bay was used for the Candy Boats owned and raced by TYC members. TYC held the majority of trophies in the Candy Class Regattas held throughout Narragansett Bay. The Indian Class of boats appeared during this time.

At the close of the 1958 season TYC family membership had increased to 152 with well over 300 juniors and 27 single adult members. With a total membership in excess of 600, our physical facilities were considered among the finest in the Narragansett Bay area. TYC had one of the most active social and racing calendars on the whole east coast.
1960s Candy Boat Racing

By 1964, TYC family membership had increased to 200. In the late 1960's, #15 Sugar Daddy Candy boat was donated to the TYC by a member. About 1965, the Ensign Class of boats appeared. A float, equipped with diving boards and a slide, was used for swimming. Parking at this time was along Riverside Drive.

Zoning was established in 1964. The TYC land to the west (the marina) was zoned waterfront commercial. The land to the east of Riverside Dr (the clubhouse) was zoned residential, making the TYC a legal non-conforming use, an issue that foretold our future.

1970
In 1970, the leadership in the yacht club decided to undertake closing in of the clubhouse front porch area and the building of a second floor deck over the old front porch. Construction was performed by Alvin Litchfield, furnishing donated by Ralph Cutillo of Stone Bridge Inn and the new enclosed front porch was tiled by Phil Drapeau of Allied Floor Covering. These tasks resulted in an expanded senior area on the second floor and a larger gathering/dining area on the main floor.

The sail training program was led in the 1970’s by John Isherwood and further developed under the leadership of John Fonseca, Tom Gendreau, David Collins and Joseph Ney. The Candy class participation was beginning to diminish because of deteriorating wooden boat conditions and a desire to introduce a one-design fiberglass racing class. The very active racing group coordinated the purchased of over 30 Sunfish, revitalizing the junior and senior weekly racing programs. Sunfish racing was observed at the TYC for the next 20 years. During the 1960’s and 1970’s Faith Peckham taught hundreds of area youngsters how to swim on the Club’s sandy beach, a popular spot during the day and evenings for family barbecue.

1987
In 1987 the yacht club undertook two major transformations: (1) the simple "T" dock became a small 3 fingered marina with slip accommodations for a limited number of members and (2) a large in-ground swimming pool was installed adjacent to the club house on the property south yard area. The swimming pool, with shallow and deep ends, has provided member enjoyment and swimming lessons. The beachfront continues to be available for sunbathing and salt water swimming. Unfortunately, the addition of the marina resulted in the loss of our long enjoyed swimming/diving raft that was configured with both low and high diving boards and a slide.

2003
In June of 2003, the yacht club was destroyed by fire. Fortunately no one was injured as the clubhouse had not opened for the season yet. Unfortunately, all of the yacht club records, trophies and memorials were destroyed. The fire was attributed to an electrical problem. TYC continued its summer season operations using a tent as a temporary facility and a bathroom trailer. The swimming programs and sail training programs continued with full enrollment. The cruising class weekly races continued with good attendance. Family and adult functions continued with strong attendance throughout the summer season. The Board of Directors persisted tirelessly to obtain all the necessary permits to allow our club to rebuild.

2007
In the fall of 2007, the yacht club was in the final stages for implementing the building process. The rebuild battle had already been long, costly and difficult, with frequent challenges from our neighbors to the South and North. We expected final court rulings on the rebuilding/zoning constraints before the end of 2007 and for our rebuilding process to begin in the spring of 2008. Unfortunately we were to wait several more years, however we continued to be active in racing, sail training and swimming programs. Our membership continued to be strong in the 150-160 family range and as only one of two East Bay yacht clubs we provided an excellent social, yachting and family oriented experience.

2012
TYC continued summer season operations using a tent as a temporary facility and a bathroom trailer. The swimming programs and sail training programs continued with full enrollment. The cruising class weekly races continued with good attendance. Family and adult functions were actively attended throughout the summer season. The Board of Directors work tirelessly to obtain all the necessary permits to allow our club to rebuild.

On October 12, 2012, Commodore Greg Jones announced the start of dredging at the marina within the next few weeks. There was precious little water left around the dingy docks as our boat owners well knew. This summer we would add new sand on the beach, a second tent with more picnic tables. Greg reported the status of our new clubhouse: we are presently working with the Tiverton Town Council to pass an ordinance change that will allow us to install an ISDS (septic system). With this, we can apply for a building permit. Our current house plans meet the appropriate zoning requirements, so this ordinance change will remove a significant barrier to rebuilding.

2014
The Town of Tiverton issued a building permit for the new clubhouse on September 26th, 2014. This had been a long time coming and the Board of Directors was very pleased to see this important milestone reached. The building committee and finance committee finalized plans to make the clubhouse a reality.

Officers Directors Committees

The Club Culture

What can TYC offer you?
We are delighted that you are considering membership at the Tiverton Yacht Club. TYC is a small but active club offering members a place to socialize and share their love for the water. We are located on the Tiverton basin of the Sakonnet River with wonderful access to many points of interest on Narragansett Bay. Our relaxed, friendly atmosphere gives families, adults and seniors a great place to spend the summer. We offer multiple water related activities including sail training for children and adults, sailboat racing and cruising, a marina, swimming and social events including beach parties and weekly potluck dinners in the summer. We have a freshly dredged twenty-one slip marina, an expanded beach, dingy docks, small boat storage racks and moorings and swimming pool.

Sail Training
The TYC sail training program offers lessons at all levels for children. Adult sailing classes may be arranged on an individual and fee basis. The fleet is comprised of 420s, Optimist dinghies and a Hunter 140 with safety boats that escort the students during lessons. The instructors are certified by the United States Sailing Association and have first aid training. For more information visit the Sailing page.

Swimming
Our outdoor heated pool is open during the summer for free swim daily under lifeguard supervision. Swim lessons are open to children of all ages and abilities. Classes meet twice weekly and are taught by Red Cross certified instructors. For more information visit our Swimming page.

Racing
PRHF racing occurs Wednesday nights from May through August and continues Saturday afternoons in the fall. Racers also enjoy the "Charlie LaRue Cup and Down the River Race" and the MOHOSA. The club sponsors the "Around Aquidneck Island Race" along with the 2100 club. For more information go to the Racing page.

Youth Activities
Weekly pool and lawn games and festive Labor Day activities for junior members. Go to our Calendar to see Sail Training, Social and Youth events.

Marina
Moorings and slips are available to members dependent upon a waiting list. Lockers, small boat racks and a dingy dock are also available. For more information visit the Marina page.

Social Events
Members enjoy family potluck dinners with swimming and children's activities, Thursday nights during the summer, adult cocktail parties, a Christmas party, wine tasting, sail training breakfast, dock parties and other social events throughout the year. Go to our Calendar to see all club events.

How to join?
Thank you for your interest in membership at the Tiverton Yacht Club. At this time we have reached our membership capacity and are placing applicants on a waiting list. We do appreciate your interest and encourage you to apply. We expect some movement on the waiting list over the season.

If you would like to apply, kindly complete the online application and send the $200 application fee to Tiverton Yacht Club, PO Box 54, Tiverton, RI 02878. Your application will be considered complete once we have received both the application and the fee.

If you have any questions regarding the waiting list or membership in TYC please contact Craig Rachupka at craig.j.rachupka@navy.mil

If you prefer to apply by mail, please download the application and mail it to the TYC PO Box. If you are unable to download the application, please contact me and I will mail one to you.
In order to have a slip or a mooring one must be a member in good standing and be on the waiting list.

2019 Dues
1. Family Membership; $600: Applicant who has a spouse or significant other living in the same household; children living with them who use the club facilities.
2. Couple Membership; $475: Applicant who has a spouse or significant other living in the same household; no children living with them; no children who would use the club facilities.
3. Single Membership; $350: No spouse or no significant other living in same household; no children living with person.
4. Senior Citizen Membership; $350: A member who is 65 or older who is single or is a couple, with or without children or grandchildren. Person must have been a TYC member in good standing for ten consecutive years.

The initiation fee is currently $200.00 for a new membership.

Invoices are sent via email in early January. Half due by Jan 31, remainder due by April 1.

Most communications are now done electronically except if a member does not have an email address. In that case, traditional mail is used.

We try our best to keep the logbook current. Please help us out but notifying Jim Rogers with any changes to your logbook entry. Logbooks are handed out at the first several potlucks in June and early July. If you did not receive one or need an additional book, please let him know.

Tiverton Yacht Club
P.O. Box 54
58 Riverside Drive
Tiverton, RI 02878

Clubhouse Rules

House Rules
1. Parking is strictly prohibited behind the Club House or anywhere on the House lot, except for on and off-loading and handicapped spaces. Please obey all parking signs and remember that we share the driveway with our north side neighbor. See Marina Rules for parking on the beach and marina side of Riverside Drive.

2. The House hours of operation will be determined by the Board of Directors (BOD) at a later time and communicated to members.

3. All committee meetings and club events on the upper level of the House should be cleared with the House Committee and, if kitchen use is involved, the Social Committee must be consulted. Any use of the lower level of the House must be cleared with the Sail Training Committee. Use of the club during the season for any private party/gathering is non-exclusive – meaning club members also have access to the facility. Cooperation is the key!

4. Teen parties are subject to all the rules that apply to the House and Grounds and must meet the following additional conditions.

a) for every 10 teens, there must be an adult chaperone present at all times.

b) the decibel level of music and other noise must conform to the Town’s Noise Ordinance.

c) the House chair reserves the right to require a second steward on duty, depending on the size of the party.

5. The person or committee in charge of any function held in the House is responsible for cleaning the House and paying for the repair of any damage.

6. Private functions hosted by a member are allowed on a first-come, first served basis. If a caterer is involved, an insurance binder may be required.

7. The Club is not responsible for the loss or damage of any property belonging to members or guests.

8. The cost of repairing damage caused by willful or careless destruction of Club property (including house, garage, grounds, pool, marina and elsewhere) will be assessed to the responsible party or parties and may be subject to an additional fine and other disciplinary action by the BOD.

9. There shall be no pets, fireworks, profane language or loud conduct on Club House property. Dogs are specifically prohibited from all TYC property.

10. Visiting members of other yacht clubs will be extended privileges of the House and Club.

11. No minor shall be in possession of alcohol or illegal substances anywhere on the Club premises. No adult member or guest shall serve alcohol to a minor on Club premises.

12. Children and teens under 18 years of age are not allowed to use the elevator or upper level of the House unattended by a parent or responsible adult.

13. Smoking is not permitted in the House or anywhere on the grounds of the club.

14. Proper dress should be worn in the upper level of the House.

15. Members and their guests are welcome to use the porch and grills at any time provided they dispose of trash and recyclables after use. Please remove chairs/tables from lawn after use and return to the stacking area.

16. The stairs and entrance to the upper level of the house must not be cluttered by persons or objects to enable good pedestrian circulation, especially for handicapped and the elderly.

17. The fireplace gas burner is generally reserved for parties, meetings and other group events. Operation of the burner is restricted to the steward or authorized adult. Instructions are attached to the bulletin board

18. The Sail Training Committee may make additional rules for use of the lower level of the House. The Social Committee may make additional rules for use of the kitchen and its appliances.

Note to members - Covid Resources

Bi-Laws

Employment

58 Riverside Drive

Tiverton, RI

Tiverton Yacht Club P.O. Box 54