Overview
Annapolis Yacht Club grew out of a rowing and canoe club on Spa Creek and was formally organized as the Severn Boat Club in 1886, taking its present name in the 1930s. Today it runs three properties on both sides of Spa Creek — the Main Clubhouse at the foot of downtown Annapolis and the Sailing Center and Activity Center in Eastport — for about 1,600 regular members. The club runs racing year-round on the Chesapeake, from its club evening series and Frostbite Series to the biennial Annapolis to Newport Race, and hosts world and North American championships. Its junior program starts in Optimists and moves on to C420s, high-school and foiling teams; reciprocal-club yachts can request one of a few transient slips.
- Founded
- 1886
- Members
- about 1,600 (club figure)
- Federation
- US Sailing
- Phone
- +1 410 320 4304
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Annapolis to Newport Racebiennial offshore race from Annapolis down the Chesapeake and up the coast to Newport, sailed since 1947; next starts 4–5 June 2027
- Annapolis YC 3-2-1 Invitationalinvitational regatta devised by club members; 2026 edition 18–20 September
- AYC club evening seriesthe club's long-running evening race series off Annapolis
- Frostbite Serieswinter racing series
- Annual Regattathe club regatta first held in the late 1930s
- Fall Seriesautumn racing series, first sailed in 1940
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1880sAbout thirty young men start an informal rowing and canoe club in a shack on an oyster-shell pile at the foot of Duke of Gloucester Street, Spa Creek
- 1886The Severn Boat Club of the City of Annapolis is formally organized, leasing the site for $10 a year
- 1936–1937The club becomes Annapolis Yacht Club, holds its first regatta and buys its waterfront site through a company formed by members
- 1941The club hosts the first National Penguin Class Championship
- 1947The Annapolis–Newport ocean race is first sailed; it has run every two years since
- 1948The Junior Fleet is established
- 1963A new modern clubhouse opens on the original Compromise Street site
- 1990The club buys White Rocks Marina in Eastport and develops it into a one-design sailing center
- 2015A fire destroys the clubhouse in December
- 2018–2019The Main Clubhouse reopens on its original site in September 2018; new Sailing and Activity Centers open in Eastport within a year
Location
- Position
- 38°58.43′ N 76°29.14′ W
38.97384, -76.48565 - Address
- 2 Compromise Street
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior Sailing and Junior programs.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Annapolis Yacht Club founded?
In 1886.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Annapolis to Newport Race, Annapolis YC 3-2-1 Invitational, AYC club evening series and Frostbite Series.