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Overview The Orcas Island Yacht Club was founded in 1956 to further the boating and social interests of boaters interested in sail and power cruising as well as yacht racing. The club's facilities include a 290 foot dock and 1500 square-foot picnic shelter located on its waterfront property in West Sound. In addition, the club leases an adjacent clubhouse to use for some of its functions. The Club's boating season begins in March and runs through December, while the social season runs year round. Yachting events include summer Friday night Races and the Round the County Race in November. The Club sponsors cruises from March through December. This full calendar offers a variety of activities and camaraderie for all. Of particular interest to cruisers, the Club maintains reciprocal moorage agreements with approximately 100 yacht clubs in the area. The Club's success is owed to it's members who willingly take active role in putting on Club functions and maintain its facilities. This and a policy of minimal capital expenditures allow OIYC to maintain very low dues to enhance the attractiveness of the Club to the boating community. We welcome new members who enjoy what we do and who wish to participate actively in the club. We expect all members to take some part in the work of the Club, doing whatever the member's talents and interests dictate. We emphasize this aspect because those who enter into the work of the Club seem to be those who get the most pleasure from their membership.
Sail Orcas is a volunteer-run, nonprofit foundation. It exists to share the joy of sailing with both youth and adults by providing high-quality instruction and affordable access to boats and facilities. Sail Orcas strives to teach this lifetime sport by promoting safe boat handling, teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie and marine stewardship. Through its close relationship with Sail Orcas, the Orcas Island Yacht Club continues its tradition of supporting youth sailing activities. This OIYC-sponsored program has been a tremendous success. With attendance reaching over 100 students, it has become one of the largest youth activities on the Island. The 2007 merger of the Junior Sailing Program and the Sail Orcas Foundation combined resources and reduced expenses. The mission to introduce young people to sailing remains the same. As before, the volunteers that make this worthy endeavor possible are dependant upon the continued support and good will of the community and particularly of the Yacht Club and its West Sound facilities. Summer sessions are offered for children between 7 and 15 years of age, beginning at the end of June and running through the second week of August. All instruction is based on the U.S. Sailing Program for small boats and dinghies and employs U.S. sailing-certified instructors. Many of the young people who are introduced to sailing via the Jr. Sailing Program go on to race competitively with the Sail Orcas club team of Orcas High School. This program has practice sessions three times a week on West Sound and participates in numerous regattas throughout the season. The team is blessed with great local talent, a fantastic coach, and a spectacular venue. The Yacht Club has been very supportive of the activities of Sail Orcas. We have made available the Club's docks and picnic shelter for the important work they do. Many of our Yacht Club members have contributed time, energy, and resources to help Sail Orcas achieve its remarkable results. There is much work to be done going forward and willing volunteers are greatly appreciated. If you would like to help the cause, please contact Burke Thomas (376-2926).       
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