Overview
Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club was founded in 1871 aboard a sloop anchored off Centre Island in Oyster Bay, and opened its clubhouse on Centre Island in 1892. It championed Corinthian (amateur) racing, commissioned one of the first one-design classes in 1892 and still holds two landmark trophies: the Seawanhaka Cup for international small-boat match racing (1895) and the British-American Cup, the oldest international team-racing trophy (1921). Today the club sails PHRF, Sonar and Viper fleets, runs team-racing events such as the Oyster Bay Challenge and the Commodore Swan Cup, a winter Sunday series and one of the earliest junior programs in the country. The service dock and launch answer on VHF 10.
- Founded
- 1871
- Federation
- US Sailing
- Phone
- +1 516 922 6200
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 New York – 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.
- Seawanhaka Cupinternational match-race trophy for small boats, presented in 1895 — the oldest active yachting trophy originating in America
- British-American Cupthe oldest international team-racing trophy, first contested in 1921; the club is its steward
- Oyster Bay Challengemulti-club keelboat team race begun in 2004, a masters team race since 2006
- Commodore Swan Cupgrandmasters team race (helms 60+, crews 50+), created in 2017
- Lee Memorial Cupautumn team race
- Outlaw TrophyPHRF cruising-class race to a destination on Long Island Sound and back
- Sunday SeriesSunday racing May–October for PHRF spinnaker and non-spinnaker, Viper and Sonar
- Summer Solstice Series (club evening series)relaxed evening series for entry-level PHRF and one-design racing, established 2016
- Viper 640 OpenViper 640 one-design regatta
- Winter Sunday series (fall and spring)frostbite racing almost every Sunday from November to April, run from a winter committee platform
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
- 1871Twelve founders organize the club in September aboard a 41-foot sloop anchored off Soper's Point, Centre Island
- 1881'Corinthian' is added to the club's name, marking its commitment to amateur crews
- 1892The Centre Island clubhouse opens on Memorial Day weekend, with a merger with the Oyster Bay Yacht Club; the club commissions a 21-foot one-design, possibly the first one-design class in the world
- 1895The Seawanhaka Cup for international small-boat match racing is presented
- 1921The club sends America's first four 6 Metres to Cowes for the first British-American Cup team race
- 1928A club-designed 6 Metre wins the Seawanhaka Cup back in Scotland
- 1936A separate junior clubhouse is built and the Junior Club incorporated
- 2017The Commodore Swan Cup grandmasters team race is created
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 40°55.81′ N 73°30.81′ W
40.93020, -73.51353 - Address
- 314 Yacht Club Road, Centre Island
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior summer program and Ladies Sailing.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Coast Guard Sector New York 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club founded?
In 1871.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Seawanhaka Cup, British-American Cup, Oyster Bay Challenge and Commodore Swan Cup.