Regular members in good standing are welcome to submit their dockage application. We are going to use the AYC website to streamline the application process this year.

The new process is as follows:

Log on to the AYC website and go to – MEMBERS – DOCK APPLICATION or click HERE

Fill out the online Dock Application form and hit submit to send your request.

If you have any problems logging into your website account, please get in touch with the AYC webmaster at radek.cfi@gmail.com

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive, via email, an invoice for the amount due. You may remit payment by Mail or bring the Invoice along with your payment and insurance information to the Club. Place your dockage info and payment in the mail slot at the office door.

Mailing address: Albany Yacht Club,PO Box 293, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Important points to remember.

• 2025 dues must be paid, and members must be in good standing prior to the dockage application being processed.
• Payment and insurance documents naming the as AYC “Additional Insured” in the amount of $100,000 are due by February 28th to avoid late fees.
• If you indicate that you are bringing your boat in during Striper season (April to the week prior to Memorial Day, May 24,2025) and are a No-Show you will be charged $100.00 per week that the No-Show occurs.
• Striper dockage is an important revenue source for the club and we are taking No-Shows seriously.
• Striper season dockage officially ends May 24th this year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Commodore Mike at ml-bfs@hotmail.com

The Ladies' room renovation is officially underway! We had a fantastic demolition team at the club today (2/1). The space is now cleared and ready for the next phase. While progress is being made, this won't be a quick project. We discovered significant water damage from a leaking shower, and with the reconfiguration needed to meet ADA standards, there will be quite a bit of work ahead. Additionally, we have other commitments, so the timeline will be a bit longer than expected. But don’t worry—we’re on it and we’ll get it done!

In the meantime, the former Men’s room is now a unisex restroom. Please be mindful of the Occupied/Unoccupied deadbolt on the door to avoid any surprises. A big thank you to Shannon McGovern, Bob Helwig, Jim Combs, and Tony Chromczak for their help today. Excellent teamwork all around!

The January 2025 edition of the Albany Yacht Club Newsletter is now available online! Be sure to check it out for the latest updates, upcoming events, and important club news. You can access the full newsletter on our website or through the member portal. Stay informed and engaged with all that’s happening at the club this month!

On the evening of December 31, Albany Yacht Club came alive with the joyful spirit of celebration as members and friends gathered at the bar from 6 to 9 pm for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve kickoff. The event, a staple for many in the local boating community, offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy.

As the sun set over the waters of the Hudson River, the cozy, festive setting inside the club provided the perfect backdrop for camaraderie and reflection on the past year. With drinks in hand and laughter filling the air, members shared stories, toasted to memories made, and eagerly anticipated the year ahead. The bar, always a social hub at the Yacht Club, was buzzing with energy as guests reconnected with old friends and made new ones in a relaxed yet festive setting.

The evening featured a selection of delicious appetizers and drinks, carefully curated to enhance the celebration. Whether it was the classic champagne toast or a signature cocktail, the bar offered something for every taste. Members shared not just the joy of ringing in the New Year, but also the unique bond that comes from being part of the Albany Yacht Club community.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the energy in the room grew even more electric. It was a moment of anticipation for all to reflect on the successes and challenges of the year gone by, and to look forward to the adventures that awaited in the year ahead.

For the members and friends of Albany Yacht Club, this New Year’s Eve celebration was not just about marking a moment on the calendar—it was a cherished tradition of friendship, community, and shared experiences. And as the evening came to a close, the promise of new memories and adventures in 2025 lingered in the air, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting next year’s celebration.

As we set sail into the new year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May 2025 bring you smooth waters, fair winds, and countless opportunities to make memories on and off the water.

To our valued members, thank you for your continued commitment to the spirit and success of the Albany Yacht Club. To our transient guests, we are thrilled to have you as part of our extended sailing family and hope you enjoy your time with us. And to our dedicated supporters—your contributions help keep our community strong and vibrant.

Here’s to new adventures, camaraderie, and the shared love of the sea in the year ahead. May the horizon always be bright, and may we all find joy and fulfillment in the journey!

Cheers to a fantastic 2025, both on the water and beyond.

With warm regards,

**The Albany Yacht Club**

Albany Yacht Club opens its striper season dockage reservation list on January 1st, and it's important to reserve your slip early, as they fill up quickly. During the spring months of April and May, anglers have the opportunity to fish for Striped Bass in the Hudson River while enjoying dockage at the club for a fixed fee. Each spring, large striped bass migrate from the ocean, traveling approximately 168 miles up the Hudson River to spawn, often stopping at the federal dam in Troy, NY. The fishing season for these impressive fish begins on April 1 and typically peaks at the end of April, continuing through Memorial Day. This seasonal event attracts many fishing enthusiasts eager to catch these magnificent fish.

Ethel Whiteman, a treasured member of the Albany Yacht Club, passed away on Tuesday, December 17th. Ethel, along with her husband Ron, a former Commodore, significantly contributed to the club's community for many years. She played a vital role in writing and distributing the club's newsletter and was instrumental in planning and organizing the Club's opening day ceremonies. In recognition of her dedicated service, Ethel was honored with the title of Lifetime Honorary Member. Friends and family can pay their respects during calling hours on Friday, December 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, located at 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Her funeral services will take place at Unity Lutheran Church, at 1500 Western Ave., Albany on Saturday, December 21 at 10:00 a.m.

The Yacht Club is excited to invite all members to a delightful holiday celebration on Saturday, December 14, from 5 PM to 8 PM. This special event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for friends and fellow club members to come together and share in the joy of the season. Attendees will enjoy a catered buffet dinner, featuring a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to please every palate. This gathering is not just about food; it's a time to reconnect, share stories, and create lasting memories with friends in the beautiful setting of the Yacht Club. Don't miss out on this festive occasion that celebrates friendship and community during the holiday season!

At the recent meeting of the Albany Yacht Club, members nominated candidates for leadership positions, including Commodore Michael Lochner, Vice Commodore Bert Dodge, Rear Commodore Antoinette Cristo, Treasurer Anthony Chromczak, and Secretary Karen Basher. Additionally, the Board of Governors was nominated to include Andre Melendez, Gary Sacks, and Stephen Doud. Officers are elected every year for one-year terms, while Board Members serve two-year terms, with a total of five Board Members. This year, the club will elect three Board Members, as elections occur in alternate years for either two or three positions. The final voting will take place during the club's meeting in December, allowing members to confirm their leadership for the coming year.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12th at 6:00 pm, and it is a significant event for the membership as it is the time when nominations for Officers and Board Members take place in preparation for the December election. During this meeting, members will nominate candidates for the annual election of Officers, including the Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additionally, there are three Board positions available for election, with Board Members serving two-year terms. It is important to note that only Regular Members are eligible to hold office, and nominees must either be present at the meeting or provide a written statement indicating their willingness to serve if they cannot attend. Your participation is encouraged as it plays a vital role in the future leadership of the organization. Hope to see you there!