harlem river yacht club

HARLEM YACHT CLUB

Established 1883

By Evelyn Schneider, Harlem Yacht Club historian, as published in the July 2008 issue of Wind Check

No, Virginia, the Harlem Yacht Club is not in Harlem – at least not now it isn’t – but, yes, it did start out there!  The Harlem Yacht Club, now of City Island, was initially founded at 124th Street and the East River in June of 1883.  It spent most of its first two decades three blocks further south at the old Randall mansion (former home of the same Randalls who owned Randalls Island), and it also operated a ‘station’ at College Point from whence most of its regattas were conducted.  In 1894, the club gave up its station at College Point in favor of one on property it had purchased at City Island.  It then occupied both locations – its ‘city house’ at the Randall mansion and its City Island station– for about ten years, even conducting occasional bicycle runs from one house to the other in those early days before the advent of automobiles. It had towed its College Point clubhouse to the new site at City Island, but decided in 1898 to replace it with a larger structure, and erected a lovely Victorian manse.  Its opening in June of 1899 was heralded by a “salute of seventeen guns ... an illumination [of the fleet], and fireworks ashore and afloat.” (New York Times, June 20, 1899, p. 5)

Finally, in 1903, the club gave up its headquarters at the Randall mansion in Harlem and took up permanent, and sole, residence at its property in City Island.  The old Victorian building burned in 1915 and was promptly replaced by the club’s current three story building, which houses a bar, restaurant, and members’ lounge on its main floor, a second story ballroom, and third floor offices and steward’s quarters.

The HYC was a founding member of three yacht racing associations:  the New York Yacht Racing Association (no longer in existence), the Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound (YRALIS), and the Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association. These latter two are still very active today. 

From its inception, the Harlem Yacht Club conducted numerous regattas and became known in local waters for its Memorial Day Regatta, which it conducted on its own initially, then later as part of the YRALIS championship circuit.  For 60 years, this race was said to kick off the yacht racing season in western Long Island Sound.  In that golden era of yacht racing, the public could enjoy following a regatta by purchasing a ticket for a steamer that followed the boats around the race course.  The steamers could carry up to 2,000 passengers, and this club enjoyed a popular following of such spectators in its early years on the Sound, until the practice ended with the rise of other spectator sports.   The club also ran several long distance races such as the HYC Stratford Shoal Race, which ran from 1905 to 1920, and even evolved into a combination sail and powerboat race.  Meantime, the club’s racers also competed, and won honors, in the regattas of other clubs in the YRALIS circuit.

In its 1911 YRALIS Memorial Day regatta, the HYC hosted a historic race – the first regatta of the Star class – a small fixed-keel sloop which became immensely popular in all parts of the world, and was in 1932 established as an Olympic Games class and is still raced there today.  In the late ‘30s the HYC became instrumental in the founding of the Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association in order to foster the growth of small boat bay sailing. HYC Race Chairman Sidney J. Treat presided over its first race and for his efforts in promoting Star racing was also appointed Honorary and Life Commodore of the East River Star Fleet.  The club boasted a fleet of 12 Stars, and several of the club’s racers were active Star competitors. Most notable among them were Mike Treat, a champion Sound racer, and Charlie “Buster” Ulmer, who represented the East River Star Fleet in the International Championships in both Lisbon and Havana.  “Buster” Ulmer later went on to found Ulmer Sails, now known as UK-Halsey Sailmakers.

With the outbreak of World War II, and because of the depletion of its members to the armed services, the club was forced to abandon the YRALIS Memorial Day Race and its Star racing program dwindled. In the 1950s, with the rise of powerboats, the club’s members began to lean more heavily toward motor yachts.  In the ‘70s and ‘80s, as sailing reclaimed a measure of its former popularity within the club, the proportion of sailing members again rose to prominence.

The club is currently one of the four City Island yacht clubs which co-sponsor the Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association.  In addition, the HYC enjoys a number of club races of various types. These include an around-the-buoy race (Treat Race), an overnight (Higgins Race), a J24 one-design (Hoxsie Race), a short-handed series, and a just-for-fun race called the Vice Commodore’s Regatta in which non-sailor members are recruited to actively crew upon their host member’s sailboat.

Today, the club enjoys a complement of about 150 members, in five categories.  Its fleet of 123 boats is comprised of 80% sail and 20% power. And, although its membership still draws heavily from the immediate Bronx/Lower Westchester area, it also enjoys a sizeable contingent of New Jerseyans, Manhattanites, and others from points further out, who find its location ideal for accessing the Sound.  All are comfortably accommodated in their beautiful club house on City Island, and the club continues to pride itself as being one of the friendliest on Long Island Sound.

One year after HYC was incorporated, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey published Chart No 361 of City Island Harbor. Price 15 cents! For the most part, things today look pretty much like they did back in 1884, but if you look carefully, you'll see some changes. The rocks we all know and love were there, but obviously no radio tower on High Island. And Orchard Beach won't exist for another 50 years. Notice how much the compass variation has changed since then!

The streets and buildings on City Island sure have changed. Most of the modern-day streets aren't even shown on the chart. Thank you to NOAA's Office of Coast Survey Historical Map & Chart Collection ( http://historicalcharts.noaa.gov ) for making this available.

Full-sized chart (12 MB)

Harlem Boat Clubs, New York 1883

The earliest means of transportation around New York City Harbor, from Harlem to Brooklyn and Staten Island and to trading was moored offshore was rowboats from 96th Street to 155th Street.

The rowboats would unload trade goods at the rear of the buildings.

The boatmen from the rowboats who ferried from ships to coastline regularly had races and rivalries with each other. These early races were the start of rowing in the United States.

Many of the first clubs like Harlem Rowing , the Bohemians were composed primarily of immigrants from one ethnic group, who continued to carry on the traditions from their homeland.

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The race among high school crews was popular, as were those among professional organizations. Policeman, trolley car drivers, and Wall Street workers were the first among the professionals that held races on Harlem River.

Harlem had become a rowing centre so much so that it was called “ Scullers Row “, because it had over 1,000 rowers by 1902. Some of the best oarsmen in the world came to row along with the Riverside Speedway Course. The most recognized names of early rowing history, including the Biglin Brothers, Thomas Hanlan, and the Ward Brothers Came to Harlem.

Harlem boat club on the Harlem River by B. J. Falk, June 19, 1902. The Harlem Yacht Club (aka Harlem boat club – see photo above), now of City Island, was initially founded at 124th Street and the East River in June of 1883.

Harlem boat club on the Harlem River by B. J. Falk, June 19, 1902. The Harlem Yacht Club (aka Harlem boat club), now of City Island, was initially founded at 124th Street and the East River in June of 1883.

It spent most of its first two decades three blocks further south at the old Randall mansion (former home of the same Randalls who owned Randalls Island), and it also operated a ‘station’ at College Point from whence most of its regattas were conducted.

In 1894, the club gave up its station at College Point in favor of one on property it had purchased at City Island. It then occupied both locations – its ‘city house’ at the Randall mansion and its City Island station– for about ten years, even conducting occasional bicycle runs from one house to the other in those early days before the advent of automobiles.

It had towed its College Point clubhouse to the new site at City Island, but decided in 1898 to replace it with a larger structure, and erected a lovely Victorian manse.

Its opening in June of 1899 was heralded by a “salute of seventeen guns … an illumination [of the fleet], and fireworks ashore and afloat.” (New York Times, June 20, 1899, p. 5)

Finally, in 1903, the club gave up its headquarters at the Randall mansion in Harlem and took up permanent, and sole, residence at its property in City Island.

The old Victorian building burned in 1915 and was promptly replaced by the club’s current three-story building, which houses a bar, restaurant, and members’ lounge on its main floor, a second-story ballroom, and third-floor offices and steward’s quarters.

The HYC was a founding member of three yacht racing associations: the New York Yacht Racing Association (no longer in existence), the Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound (YRALIS), and the Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association. These latter two are still very active today.

From its inception, the Harlem Yacht Club conducted numerous regattas and became known in local waters for its Memorial Day Regatta, which it conducted on its own initiative, then later as part of the YRALIS championship circuit.

For 60 years, this race was said to kick off the yacht racing season in western Long Island Sound. In that golden era of yacht racing, the public could enjoy following a regatta by purchasing a ticket for a steamer that followed the boats around the racecourse.

The steamers could carry up to 2,000 passengers, and this club enjoyed a popular following of such spectators in its early years on the Sound, until the practice ended with the rise of other spectator sports.

The club also ran several long-distance races such as the HYC Stratford Shoal Race, which ran from 1905 to 1920, and even evolved into a combination sail and powerboat race.

Meantime, the club’s racers also competed, and won honors, in the regattas of other clubs in the YRALIS circuit.

In its 1911 YRALIS Memorial Day regatta, the HYC hosted a historic race – the first regatta of the Star class – a small fixed-keel sloop that became immensely popular in all parts of the world and was in 1932 established as an Olympic Games class and is still raced there today.

In the late ‘30s the HYC became instrumental in the founding of the Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association in order to foster the growth of small boat bay sailing.

HYC Race Chairman Sidney J. Treat presided over its first race and for his efforts in promoting Star racing was also appointed Honorary and Life Commodore of the East River Star Fleet. The club boasted a fleet of 12 Stars, and several of the club’s racers were active Star competitors.

Most notable among them were Mike Treat, a champion Sound racer, and Charlie “Buster” Ulmer, who represented the East River Star Fleet in the International Championships in both Lisbon and Havana. “Buster” Ulmer later went on to found Ulmer Sails, now known as UK-Halsey Sailmakers.

With the outbreak of World War II, and because of the depletion of its members to the armed services, the club was forced to abandon the YRALIS Memorial Day Race and its Star racing program dwindled.

In the 1950s, with the rise of powerboats, the club’s members began to lean more heavily toward motor yachts.

In the ‘70s and ‘80s, as sailing reclaimed a measure of its former popularity within the club, the proportion of sailing members again rose to prominence.

The club is currently one of the four City Island yacht clubs which co-sponsor the Eastchester Bay Yacht Racing Association. In addition, the HYC enjoys a number of club races of various types.

These include an around-the-buoy race (Treat Race), an overnight (Higgins Race), a J24 one-design (Hoxsie Race), a short-handed series, and a just-for-fun race called the Vice Commodore’s Regatta in which non-sailor members are recruited to actively crew upon their host member’s sailboat.

Today, the club enjoys a complement of about 150 members, in five categories. Its fleet of 123 boats is comprised of 80% sail and 20% power.

And, although its membership still draws heavily from the immediate Bronx/Lower Westchester area, it also enjoys a sizeable contingent of New Jerseyans, Manhattanites, and others from points further out, who find its location ideal for accessing the Sound.

All are comfortably accommodated in their beautiful clubhouse on City Island, and the club continues to pride itself as being one of the friendliest on Long Island Sound.

Photo credit: Source .

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The Leisure Revolution Harlem River Yacht Club

The Leisure Revolution is a concept that combines relaxation, human connection, and emotional release, encapsulated in the tagline “Relax. Relate. Release.”

Relaxation: Immerse yourself in a haven of tranquility with dedicated relaxation zones that include comfortable seating, hammocks, and ambient music. Relaxation specialists will be on hand to provide guidance and promote mindfulness.

Relate: Engage with like-minded individuals in our community spaces designed for social interaction and networking. Share experiences, stories, and ideas in a supportive and friendly environment.

Release: Discover innovative ways to release stress and negative energy through guided workshops, art therapy, meditation sessions, and more. The Leisure Revolution empowers participants to let go and find balance in their lives.

The Leisure Revolution is not just an event; it’s a movement that seeks to redefine leisure in an urban setting. Harlem River Yacht Club is excited to collaborate with ChaShaMa and create a space where people can rejuvenate, connect, and find solace within the bustling city. More information about the event, including a detailed schedule, can be found on the Harlem River Yacht Club website .

For media inquiries, please contact Commodore Cornelius at [email protected]

About the Artist

Harlem River Yacht Club is a premier leisure and recreation destination that aims to provide a space for relaxation, community, and personal growth. With a focus on inclusivity, the club offers a wide range of activities, live shows and events that cater to diverse interests. “We believe that everyone deserves a chance to unwind and experience relaxation in the midst of their busy lives,” says Mumzie Franklin, spokesperson for Harlem River Yacht Club. “The Leisure Revolution is our way of offering a much-needed respite to New Yorkers and visitors, and we’re thankful for ChaShaMa’s support in making this vision a reality.”

For more information about Harlem River Yacht Club visit their website and follow them on Instagram .

Participants:

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Harlem River Yacht Club is on a journey of empowerment and self-discovery!

From its humble beginnings as a musical gathering among friends to its current status as a savvy clothing and event company, Harlem River Yacht Club has been on a journey of empowerment and self-discovery. In a world where African Americans have been historically marginalized and excluded, HRYC aims to provide a beacon of hope and a safe haven for those seeking to connect, grow, and recharge. The story of HRYC is intertwined with the story of its founder Ohene Cornelius , who saw an opportunity to reclaim the leisure and luxury that had been taken away from Black communities through centuries of redlining, voter suppression, and systemic racism. The company’s mantra, “Everybody can’t fit on the Yacht,” speaks to the idea that success and prosperity are possible, but it requires early boarding and a commitment to the journey.

The Harlem River Yacht Club brand stands for more than just fashion and events. It represents a movement of mental and emotional well-being, a commitment to creating spaces where Black people can thrive and be seen. Whether you’re setting sail on the virtual decks of their yacht-themed events or simply enjoying a relaxing moment in one of their signature garments, HRYC is here to provide a safe and supportive haven from the stormy seas of life.

The core aesthetics, of the Harlem River Yacht Club’s artistic endeavors and cultural principles, can be discovered and savored on the self-entitled, 10-track album. The gifted creative and lifestyle philosopher, Ohene Cornelius , is joined by a choice selection of artists and producers to create a set of stunning musical and lyrical gems that incorporate afrobeats, hip-hop, jazz, rap, rnb, soul and pop flavors ,which will leave your spirit energized, inspired and uplifted.

Ohene is a different breed of artist. He can spit bars as fiercely as anyone else in the game can, but is intent on instilling wisdom and easy-on-the-ear deliveries into the grand scheme of his music. Hence, the Harlem based creative stands out head and shoulders among his peers, and so do most of everyone else lending their creative or performances wares to the Harlem River Yacht Club album.

The recording opens with, ‘Naismith’ (ft. Phantm Phuego, Stanford Reid & Nia Weeks) , which instantly expresses the idea of unity and togetherness, the importance of supporting and lifting each other up, and how we are all connected through our shared experiences of emotions. ‘Rent’ (ft. Thisminority & Ohene Cornelius) describes the struggles and hardships faced by individuals growing up in poverty and inner city neighborhoods. The overall theme is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

‘Brup’ (ft. Ohene Cornelius & Mumzie Franklin) address issues such as the impact of crack cocaine on black communities, government surveillance, racial profiling and police brutality, the lack of resources, and the exploitation of black communities for profit. It advocates for resistance and empowerment. ‘Shake’ (ft. OHENE & Sunni Musique) is simply meant to make you shake your booty, and describes admiring a romantic partner’s physical appearance, and expressing excitement.

‘Free Together’ (ft. Aviva Jaye & Stanford Reid) unpacks a woman’s desire for a romantic relationship with a man who appreciates and respects her, creating a connection based on love, empathy, and mutual respect. ‘Valley of a Stranger’ (ft. Stanford Reid) describes a person feeling lost and out of place in a dangerous city, comparing their situation to being lost at sea and in the valley of a stranger. ‘Who’s Better’ (ft. Ohene Cornelius & Thisminority) is about the protagonist’s confidence in his own abilities and success. It expresses a desire to live forever and be remembered as better than others.

‘Breathe’ (ft. Ohene Cornelius, Rain Elektra & Mumzie Franklin) unfolds the struggles and experiences of being black, including the challenges of racism, gentrification, and division within the black community. The singer encourages listeners to breathe and find peace and freedom through self-awareness, love, and unity. ‘Brunch’ (ft. Ohene Cornelius & Mandella Eskia) highlights a lifestyle of waking up, enjoying brunch and drinks, getting drunk, getting dressed, seeking sexual encounters, pursuing money, and getting paid. The protaganist is living a luxurious lifestyle and wants more.

The album closer, ‘Well Connected’ (ft. Ohene Cornelius, James E! Walker & Phil Phlaymz) describe the experiences of musicians on the road as they travel and perform. They talk about their lifestyle, hustle, and determination to succeed, and how they are connected to each other and their fans. They describe their personal struggles and the challenges they face, but they remain optimistic and motivated to continue pursuing their dreams. Overall, the album Harlem River Yacht Club sends messages of unity and support, encouraging people to come together and bond over their shared humanity.

Many things standout on Harlem River Yacht Club, including the production duties done by Vybz Dealer, Majest Da God, Phil Phlaymz and Ohene Cornelius himself. Not to mention Ohene’s sublime and conscious top-tier songwriting, along with his meticulous performances. Moments of glorious listening pleasure is also derived from the transcendent vocal interpretations delivered by Rain Elektra on ‘Breathe’ , and by Justo Ontario on ‘Valley of a Stranger’ . However, there are so many high points across the album’s runtime, it’s impossible to mention them all. Harlem River Yacht Club automatically puts itself in the conversation, for album of the year status, regardless of genre or style.

OFFICIAL LINKS: https://instagram.com/harlemriveryachtclub https://facebook.com/HarlemRiverYachtClub/ www.twitter.com/h_r_y_c_ https://www.linkedin.com/company/harlem-river-yacht-club-llc/ www.harlemriveryachtclub.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/harlem-river-yacht-club-llc/ https://harlemriveryachtclub.hearnow.com/

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