It looks like this week at the Albany Yacht Club will be a little calmer than usual, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the riverfront.

The Bar will be open on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., the perfect midweek opportunity to stop by, share a drink with fellow members, and take in the views of the Hudson. Whether you’re winding down after work or just looking for a quiet evening on the water, it’s always a great spot to reconnect with friends and fellow boaters.

Please note that there will be no dinner service this Friday. The Clubhouse has been reserved for a private party, so while the dining room will take a short break, the good news is that more great meals are right around the corner.

In fact, you’ll want to mark your calendars for Friday, September 26th. On that evening, MaryEllen and Steve will be back in the kitchen, preparing one of their most popular meals—Smoked Chicken and Ribs. Known for their delicious cooking and generous spreads, they’ll be serving up plenty of hearty accompaniments to go along with the main dishes. It’s sure to be a night you won’t want to miss.

So, while this week may be a bit quieter than usual, consider it the calm before the storm of flavors. Take the chance to relax, stop by the bar, and look forward to another memorable evening of food and fellowship at the Club later this month.

September is shaping up to be another great month at the Albany Yacht Club, with plenty of opportunities to share a good meal, enjoy some camaraderie, and unwind at the end of the week. Here’s what’s on the calendar:

Friday, September 12

Member Dinner – $15 per person

Enjoy a comforting Italian classic: homemade spaghetti & meatballs served with salad and finished off with a homemade dessert. Hosted by Kristi Farina and April Miller.

Friday, September 19

No Dinner

Please note: the Club will be reserved for a private party this evening.

Friday, September 26

Member Dinner – $15 per person

The menu is still to be determined, but expect another delicious meal. This dinner will be hosted by Steve Stasack and MaryEllen Torrisi.

September’s lineup promises a wonderful mix of hearty favorites and great company. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for these evenings of food, fun, and fellowship at your Club!

Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner, and Albany Yacht Club is ready to celebrate in style. Join us for a fun-filled few days of good food, great company, and live music right on the waterfront.

On Friday, August 29th, we’ll kick things off with Appetizer Night at the bar. A variety of appetizers will be served, and members are invited to bring their own favorite dish to share. It’s a relaxed and social way to start the holiday weekend.

The fun continues on Saturday, August 30th, with our annual Labor Day Cookout. The bar opens at 1:00 p.m. with salads and appetizers until 2:00, followed by a classic summer lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, pasta salad, and fruit salad from 2:00 to 3:00. Members are encouraged to bring a dessert to round out the menu. After lunch, enjoy live patio music from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., featuring performances by fellow club members Sharon and Mike.

All of this is just $15 per person. Please sign up by Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. to reserve your spot.

We can’t wait to celebrate the end of summer with you—see you at the Club!

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 22nd, when our Officers and Board Members will set aside their usual duties and step into the kitchen—donning aprons, serving dinner, and even taking care of the cleanup. It’s a lighthearted tradition that brings our community together for an evening of good food, laughter, and camaraderie.

This year’s dinner comes with something extra special. In recognition of the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal, we are honored to welcome the Watervliet City Historian for a captivating presentation. The Erie Canal, often called “America’s first superhighway,” transformed our region in ways still felt today—spurring commerce, shaping communities, and putting our corner of New York on the map. You’ll hear stories of its construction, its impact on local life, and the role Watervliet played in this historic waterway’s legacy.

For just $15, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal, great company, and an evening that blends history with hospitality. It’s the perfect way to support your community while learning something new about the place we call home.

Menu details and the sign-up form will be released soon, so keep an eye on our announcements and be sure to reserve your spot early. This is one evening you won’t want to miss!

Paddle the Canals: Erie Canal 200! is a special bicentennial event taking place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, to celebrate 200 years since the Erie Canal first opened. Participants will paddle 2.7 miles through the historic Waterford Flight—five locks that lift boats 169 feet, once the highest such lift in the world. The guided trip begins at Alcathy’s Boat Launch and ends at Waterford Point Boat Ramp.

The $50 registration includes a guided paddle, T-shirt, lunch, and shuttle service. A picnic and history walk at Peebles Island State Park follow the paddle. All paddlers must wear personal flotation devices, especially in the locks.

This event is part of a statewide celebration of the Canalway Water Trail, which spans over 450 miles. Though this paddle is sold out, other events and the Erie Canalway Challenge, featuring a special 200-mile goal, are open to the public.

Albany Yacht Club invites members and guests to celebrate Father’s Day with a special brunch on Sunday, June 15th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This waterfront gathering is the perfect way to honor dads and enjoy a relaxing morning with family and friends.

MaryEllen Torrisi and Darlene Bleau will be preparing a delicious brunch menu that includes eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, pastries, and more. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or simply enjoying a quiet morning by the river, the menu is sure to satisfy.

Pricing for the event is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 10, and free for children under 5. The bar will open at 10:00 a.m., featuring $5 Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Registration is required for this event. Please see our calendar of events.

If you plan to arrive by boat, please contact the Dockhouse at 518-445-9587 for docking arrangements.

Make Father’s Day memorable this year with good food, refreshing drinks, and great company at the Albany Yacht Club.

We’re excited to share that the pool at the Albany Yacht Club is officially open for the season! With the latest water temperature reading at a comfortable 79 degrees, it’s the perfect time to cool off, enjoy a swim, or simply relax poolside.

The pool is currently open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Members are welcome to start their day with a few peaceful laps or gather with family and friends for some afternoon fun in the sun.

Don’t forget your towel and sunscreen—summer at the Club has begun!

Earlier this month, the Troy Motorboat and Canoe Club suffered significant damage when their docks were destroyed during a severe rain event. As fellow members of the river community, we have an opportunity to lend a hand in their time of need.

This Friday, June 6th at 5:00 PM, the Troy Club will host a fundraiser at their clubhouse located at 763 1st Ave in Troy, NY. The evening will feature live music, drinks, and camaraderie on the river—an ideal chance to come together and show our support.

For those who prefer to remain at our club, donation buckets will be available on site. All contributions collected will be forwarded directly to the Troy Motorboat and Canoe Club.

Let’s rally together as a boating community and help our friends get back on the water.

The New York State Canal Corporation has announced important updates regarding navigation on the Canal System, effective Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Several key sections will remain closed due to high water levels and ongoing infrastructure repairs, while others have reopened.

Erie Canal Status:

Closed:

Lock E-2 (Waterford) to Lock E-16 (St. Johnsville)

Lock E-16 (St. Johnsville) to Lock E-17 (Little Falls)

Lock E-24 (Baldwinsville) to Lock E-25 (Mays Point)

Open:

Lock E-17 (Little Falls) through Lock E-22 (New London) to Sylvan Beach

Lock E-23 (Brewerton)

Lock E-26 (Clyde) through Locks E-34/35 (Lockport) to the Tonawandas

Repairs are still underway at the Rocky Rift movable dam and the earthen embankment west of Lock E-16, delaying the reopening between Locks E-16 and E-17. This section will remain closed until further notice.

Other Canal Routes:

Champlain Canal – Closed due to high and unsafe water levels

Oswego Canal – Closed due to high and unsafe water levels

Cayuga–Seneca Canal – Closed due to high and unsafe water levels

The Eastern Erie Canal (Locks E-2 to E-16) and Champlain Canal are expected to reopen this weekend, pending water level improvements. The Canal Corporation will provide exact reopening times in the coming days.

Navigation Safety and Reminders:

Boaters navigating open sections are urged to exercise caution due to:

Floating debris from recent heavy rainfall

Buoys (Aids to Navigation) possibly being off station

All boaters should proceed at "No Wake" speed and refer to the Canal Corporation’s Notice to Mariners to stay informed and plan accordingly. Ensuring availability of dock space and amenities in operating areas is also advised.

For a detailed overview of open and closed canal sections, refer to the updated system map here: [UpdatedClosure.pdf]

The Albany Yacht Club is pleased to announce the completion of our new patio cover—a long-awaited improvement that is already transforming the waterfront experience for our members and guests. The sleek, sturdy cover was recently installed and now stretches across the main outdoor seating area, providing much-needed shade and shelter for those who want to enjoy the marina views in comfort.

All tables have been set up beneath the new structure, creating a welcoming and functional space for casual gatherings, morning coffee, and post-sail conversations. The covered patio is now the ideal spot for members to relax, dine, or host informal events without concern for rain or strong sun.

The addition enhances the overall charm of the club's outdoor area, offering a comfortable place to enjoy river breezes, watch the sunset over the Hudson, or simply take in the activity on the docks.

This improvement marks the latest in a series of ongoing efforts to update and maintain our facilities to the highest standards. We encourage all members to stop by, take advantage of the new space, and enjoy the season in style.

We look forward to seeing you under the new cover soon!