Our History

Established In 1972

The History of Port Ludlow Yacht Club

By Liz Healy

PLYC was founded in 1972 by several boat-loving residents. Nearly 50 years later, the camaraderie and strong boating community the club promotes is going strong.

Early on, boating was the only focus for the club’s members. Sailboats outnumbered power boats, and racing was the main activity. Lacking a clubhouse, members met at the Beach Club to plan cruises, race events, and social activities. Dinners and cocktail parties were added to entice members to attend meetings.  

The monthly Jib Sheet conveyed updates on cruise and social events, race outcomes, reports from officers, and general scuttlebutt. Today, the Jib Sheet is posted online, and includes hundreds of photos and more content thanks to new technology. The Jib Sheet is available to the public on the PLYC website’s Home page at plyc.us. 

Community service has always been important to the club. In 1999, PLYC worked with the Coast Guard to remove a derelict boat near what is now Ludlow Cove Cottages. This cleaned up the waterway and prevented further environmental damage to the area. In 2000, PLYC observed that the buoys marking Klas Rocks and the entrance to Mats Mats Bay were misleading causing several groundings a year. PLYC and the Coast Guard Auxiliary convinced the Coast Guard to install a fixed aid on the rocks. Since then, there have been no groundings. PLYC also worked with the Coast Guard to replace the 5 knot speed buoys with a large 5 knot sign near Burner Point.

Charitable giving has always been important for the club. Since 2006, the Women’s Group has given generously to the greater community via financial and other donations to math and literacy programs, health-related programs for women, and a range of assistance to families and children. All Wreck Room bar tips, and proceeds from the annual Women’s Group fundraiser are donated to local charities. 

2010 was a pivotal year when our land-based facility, the Wreck Room, opened. It’s now the club’s focal point and hosts many of our traditional events, special activities, and committee meetings. It’s open to PLYC members, guests, and reciprocal yacht clubs Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for drinks, potlucks, and catered dinners. The facility is also available for special events.  

In 2015, the club’s sail captain revitalized the activity with Thursday sails in the bay followed by refreshments at the Wreck Room. Soon after, the sail group grew and began going on short local cruises and longer ones to the San Juan and Gulf Islands. 

PLYC hosts an annual training day with various experts to keep members current on new technology, safety techniques, and boat maintenance. We also host marine exchanges where members or guest speakers share their yachting experiences, be it the Race to Alaska, sailing around Cape Horn, or navigating in the northern waters of Canada and South Alaska. A partnership with the Point Wilson Sail and Power Squadron increased our training options. Classes on electrical systems, the weather, and engine maintenance are well attended by yacht club and power squadron members, and local boaters.

In 2019, the club launched an interactive website that helps recruit new members, and allows online registration for club events, volunteering, and cruises, which is a major advantage. We also added a large screen TV and sound system in the Wreck Room to enhance social events and training sessions. 

The club has 232 members who join power, sail, and land cruises along with many social events each year. We enjoy reciprocal privileges with over 100 yacht clubs, and more than 200 boats use our reciprocal docks each year. Many members have taken extensive cruises to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and the Pacific Rim as an extension of the yacht club’s cruising season. The club also has non-boating members, who joined because our friendly reputation in the area, the social activities, and camaraderie. 

The PLYC Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of each month, except August, and members are welcome to attend. There are two annual all-member business meetings followed by a catered dinner. At all our events, we make sure to serve lots of great food, and the bar is always open. 

If you are looking for an active, social group who shares a love of the water and our magnificent area, please join us at the Port Ludlow Yacht Club.