History

It was in October, 1894 that a group of yacht owners organized what was called the Neptune Yacht Club. They later changed the name to commemorate the Huguenots who originally came from La Rochelle, France, to settle in this area. By December 1894 , the club had 46 members to its credit. It officially opened on January 1, 1895 and officially incorporated on February 8, 1895. At that time, the club was located just outside the bridge. It consisted of 2 small buildings leased from Mr. Adrian Iselin (1818-1905). On April 27, 1895 the club held its first regatta. By May, 1896 the club expanded to 80 members and celebrated the opening of a new, larger club house. The club hosted Saturday Night dances that became extremely popular. The first annual dance was held at the ”Gymnasium” in New Rochelle on April 23, 1895.

Annual membership meetings were held at various restaurants in New York City. In 1910 there were 65 boats registered at the club of which 27 were sail boats. The largest of these was the sailing houseboat ”Savilla” 86′ with a 24′ beam.

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TIMELINE
  • 1920s Rowing , Fireworks
  • 1927 Trap Shooting
  • 1939 World War II patrol
  • 1950 Pea Island storm
  • 1965 Jan 16, Clubhouse destroyed by fire. Necessitates purchase of the present clubhouse formerly owned by Lillian Gish. The expanded marina allowed for more members to join.
  • 1973 Can One association was organized by F. Neil Magrath. Three neighboring clubs, HYC, NYAC YC and Glen Island YC formed the association that exists to this day.
  • 1992 Pea Island destroyed by storm.
  • 2000 Formation of Rhodes Fleet
  • 2004 Addition of Lasers to the Frostbiting Fleet
  • 2009 HYC is awarded the New Rochelle Heritage Award

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Historical Photos