Waterfront Information

The Waterfront at PYC is the essential element of Club life.  This is where members get to and from their boats, clean their boats, and work on their boats.  We are fortunate to have excellent facilities and a fine staff under the direction of Waterfront Manager Bob Putnam.

See also the section of our Web Site on Visitor Information.

Tides

The tidal range varies from 8 to 12 feet, depending on the phase of the moon and the degree to which the moon and sun are pulling the tide in a similar direction.  Each day's high and low tides are generally written on a white board on the inside wall of the Dockhouse.

Pier and Floats

Our waterfront consists of a fixed pier and six floats aligned as a "reverse L."  The four main floats extend perpendicular to the shore.  The float closest to shore is reserved for launch operation.  The remaining three floats offer water, 110-volt electric power, and low-level night lighting.  Each float has a rubber bumper extending its full length on both sides.  Minimum low-water depth is 6 feet at the first float and 10 feet at the fourth float.  

The two floats on the "bottom" of the L are reserved for specific uses.  The outer float is used for boat storage by the Junior Sailing Program when it is in session.  The inner float is available for temporary tie-up of dinghies on the shore side.  The ocean side may be used by shallow-draft vessels for temporary tie-up.

We provide carts for transfer of luggage from boat to land and vice-versa.  We aim to maintain a good distribution of carts on the floats and near the House.  if you can't find one where you want one, please speak to a Launch Operator.

The ramp from the float to the pier can be quite steep at low tide.  Please be especially careful on the ramp.

If you arrive by water after dark, lool for our Night Signal:  Red over White over Red.  

Dockhouse

The Hallam Singer Dockhouse was constructed in 2008.  It was named after the late Hallam (Bud) Singer, a Past Commodore, Club Historian, and major contributor to the life and heritage of the Club.  

Other Watercraft

The Club maintains an outboard-powered Carolina Skiff workboat.  It is available for member use in the anchorage, subject to checking in with the Launch Operator before using it.

Emergency Assistance

Launch Operators will, within the bounds of limited resources of time and tools, assist members and visiting yachts faced with problems.  For example, the Club maintains a "starter pack" that the launch can bring to a boat disabled by a dead battery.  However, Club employees may not provide routine service that could be done by a professional serviceperson or by the member.  Please do not ask to use Club tools and equipment.

Club Moorings

The Club maintains 23 moorings.  Thirteen are used for Club boats, including boats used by coaches in the Junior Sailing Program.  The remaining ten are available to visiting boats and to members who need a temporary mooring (for example, when their mooring tackle is being repaired).  

Member Moorings

The Club does not provide moorings for members.  Members purchase and maintain their own mooring tackle, subject to regulation by the Town of Falmouth.  The Harbor Master controls the location of each mooring.  Members wanting to change a mooring location, place a new mooring, or change boats and need a different size or swing room, should consult with the Harbor Master (207-781-7317).

Non-Slip

The Club does not offer slips because the anchorage is quite open to storm winds.  

Dinghy/Kayak Storage

The Club has 50 rentable spaces for dinghy storage and 20 spaces for kayak storage on a set of racks near the Boat Launch ramp.  Once a member has rented a space, he/she has first claim on continuing the rental annually.  Members wishing to rent a storage space should contact the Club Manager.

Any vessel that is dry sailed, and NOT in a Junior program, may store their trailered, non-motorized vessel only in designated locations.  All vessels will require identification - either a PYC permit (for dinghies) or, on other vessels, contact information located ON the vessel.

Trailers must be stored in the designated location.

There is no storage of non-member boats, except for those used by participants in the Junior Program.

Dinghy Valet Service

This service allows a member to request that his/her dinghy be taken from the rack, launched and towed to his/her boat, and later returned to the rack.  There is a seasonal fee.  See the Club Manager for details and registration.

Boat Launch

The Club maintains a ramp for members to launch dry-sailed and trailerable boats.  There is no charge for launching and hauling; however, members use the ramp at their own risk.