Get ready for an evening filled with excitement and entertainment at the Monte Carlo event! Professional dealers will be at your service, offering a variety of classic casino games including Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, Roulette, and Craps.

The event runs from 6pm to 10pm, on September 14, 2024 giving you plenty of time to choose your favorite game, indulge in delicious hors d'oeuvres, socialize on the patio, and groove to the musical tunes of Smoke and Mirrors. Our skilled bartenders are ready to craft your preferred cocktail, adding to the classy ambiance of the night.

Only 100 tickets are available for this exclusive event. Each ticket grants you entrance to the festivities, $1,000 worth of chips to kick off your gaming experience, as well as access to all the delectable food and entertainment provided. If you wish to extend your gameplay, extra chips can be purchased onsite.

As the night draws to a close, exchange your accumulated chips for the chance to win fantastic prizes. Reserve your tickets conveniently on our website, but remember that payments are not accepted online. You have the option to drop off your payment at the Albany Yacht Club Drop Box (Members Hallway) or mail it to the Albany Yacht Club address provided.

Be sure to mark your envelope with "Monte Carlo." Tickets can be collected at the event entrance or sent to you upon receipt of payment; indicate your preference when submitting your payment.

Don't miss out on this sophisticated evening of play and entertainment at Monte Carlo – secure your tickets now for a memorable night of fun!

Next week, on Saturday, July 13, an exciting event is happening - Jim Johnson's Brooks Chicken and Jim's Ribs Fundraiser to benefit YOUR club! The event kicks off at 6 pm, offering a delicious dinner for $25. It's a fantastic opportunity for you to show your support for the club, alongside your friends, and enjoy a wonderful evening together.

Please note, there won't be a dinner event on Friday, July 12. However, the fun continues with Wednesday evening Corn Hole activities happening both weeks. Additionally, on July 10, you can grab individual slices of a large sub for just $4. This marks the conclusion of Session 1 of Corn Hole, so make sure not to miss out on the fun!

Join us for an evening filled with good food, great company, and summer fun. Your participation and support mean a lot to the club, and it promises to be a memorable event for everyone involved. See you there!

According to the nationwide TowBoatUS on-water towing fleet, the busiest time for America’s recreational boat owners is the Fourth of July holiday period. Boaters spend the day on the water at anchor, enjoying fireworks shows, fishing holes, and raft-ups. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers four essential tips to ensure a safe celebration. First, be anchor smart by checking your anchoring gear and showing courtesy in crowded areas. Second, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by not running the generator near swimmers. Third, manage stressors like noise and sun exposure to prevent fatigue. Lastly, ensure a safe return by waiting for everyone aboard before turning on the engine and being cautious when departing crowded areas or after dark. Stay safe and enjoy the festivities responsibly!

America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA) is dedicated to supporting boaters embarking on the exciting journey of navigating the Great Loop. This long-distance adventure spans approximately 6,000 miles and offers a unique experience as boaters travel through various waterways in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.

Members of the AGLCA, known as Loopers, undertake this remarkable voyage aboard their own boats, ensuring a personalized and memorable journey. The Great Loop route encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, the New York Canals, the Great Lakes, the Inland Rivers, and the Gulf Coast. Loopers navigate these regions, appreciating the beauty and tranquility of the inland waterways while making progress towards completing the Loop.

Exciting news for AGLCA members includes a recent development where they can now enjoy a discount at the Albany Yacht Club. This partnership offers Loopers the opportunity to access premium services and amenities at the club, enhancing their overall boating experience along the Great Loop route.

AGLCA's commitment to assisting boaters in every aspect of their journey ensures that members receive valuable support and benefits, such as the exclusive discount at the Albany Yacht Club. This collaboration further enriches the experience for Loopers, making their adventure even more rewarding and enjoyable.

As Loopers continue their circumnavigation of the Great Loop, they can look forward to not only breathtaking views and exciting challenges but also the convenience and hospitality provided by partners like the Albany Yacht Club. With this new discount in place, AGLCA members can make the most of their boating expedition and create lasting memories along the way.

On Saturday, June 22nd at 11am, an exciting event known as the Blessing of the Fleet will take place. If you plan to participate, please make sure to arrive at the docks and get in line by 10:40am. During this event, a brief blessing will be broadcasted over the radio, followed by each boat receiving an individual blessing as they pass by the south dock.

Following the blessing ceremony, there will be a potluck where everyone can enjoy a meal together. Additionally, there will be an award presented to the best decorated boat, adding a touch of friendly competition to the day.

Prior to the event, detailed instructions will be provided, including your designated position in the lineup. To ensure you receive these instructions, please provide a valid email address when signing up. Non-boating members are encouraged to join by riding on a boating member's vessel. Boating members, if allowing non-boating members on board, please ensure there are enough life jackets for everyone's safety.

Available spots on boats for non-boating members will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to secure your place early. Remember, all boats should be off the docks and in line by 10:40am sharp.

Important communications and instructions during the event, including the blessing ceremony, will be conducted over VHF radio (channel to be announced). Make sure you have a radio with you or arrange to borrow one for the day.

Volunteers are also needed to assist boats in and out of the docks before and after the blessing. Additionally, contributions of food for the potluck gathering will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, if you are a member of a club affiliated with the Mohawk Hudson Council of Yacht Clubs, you are cordially invited to be part of this special event. Join us for a day of blessings, camaraderie, and celebration on the water!

The newest Albany Yacht Club’s MEMBERSHIP GUIDE is now available online on the AYC website under the membership area. This guide includes a Message from the Commodore, a Historical Overview, details about the Mission and Organization Structure, and the Albany Yacht Club Code of Conduct.

Membership at the Albany Yacht Club is considered a privilege that comes with responsibilities outlined by key principles. The club aims to maintain a safe environment where all individuals feel respected and valued. Respect, as defined by the club, involves considering the well-being of others' physical and emotional states, as well as their possessions, to ensure no harm or loss is inflicted upon them.

Moreover, the Albany Yacht Club is committed to fostering an environment free from harassment. Any behavior that creates an unsafe, hostile, intimidating, or offensive atmosphere is deemed unacceptable by the club. Additionally, the club operates under a non-discriminatory policy, ensuring that every member is provided with equal opportunities and fair treatment in alignment with the law and the club's regulations.

By upholding these principles, the Albany Yacht Club endeavors to create a welcoming and inclusive community where all members can enjoy their experiences and activities without fear of mistreatment or discrimination.

Visit the AYC website to access the full MEMBERSHIP GUIDE and familiarize yourself with the values and expectations set forth by the Albany Yacht Club for its members.

In a nationwide effort to remove abandoned and neglected boats from our nation’s waterways, the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) Foundation is seeking qualified, diverse, and experienced organizations to submit projects for funding. The massive cleanup effort to remove abandoned and derelict vessels (ADV) in U.S. coastal waterways and the Great Lakes is funded by a four-year, $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent between June 10 and August 12.

Abandoned and neglected boats litter ports, waterways, and estuaries all over the country and can cause major problems. These boats can crush or smother sensitive plants and corals, sink or move during coastal storms, threaten safe navigation, and contribute to economic losses. Removing ADVs is a costly effort, often averaging more than $24,000 to remove a single boat. For many communities, there may be no local funding available for the removal of vessels, and navigating complicated funding programs can be challenging for communities with limited time or resources.

Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal to notify various law enforcement and safety agencies that the boat complies with all Federal and State boating laws for the year. The best part? These Vessel Safety Checks are entirely free of charge!

The primary reason for undergoing a Vessel Safety Check is safety. Ensuring that your boat adheres to federal safety standards gives you peace of mind in knowing that you have the necessary equipment onboard to respond to emergencies and potentially save lives by calling for help.

If your boat doesn't pass the safety check, you won't receive a citation. Instead, you'll be provided with a written report detailing any discrepancies found and guidance on how to address them.

Going through a Vessel Safety Check annually may even lead to discounted rates from boating insurance agencies. However, it's important to note that all decals and safety checks expire on December 31st of the year they are issued. They also become void if the operator or owner fails to maintain the vessel's equipment to the required standard after the safety check.

If you're ready to enhance the safety of your boating experience, take the first step by clicking the link here. Fill out a short request form and submit it. It will then help you connect with volunteer vessel examiners located within 30 miles of your area. And we do have some of them as members of the Albany Yacht Club. They will assist you in scheduling a Vessel Safety Check for your boat, ensuring that you can navigate the waters confidently and responsibly.

National Safe Boating Week, taking place from May 18 to May 24, 2024, is an essential event focused on promoting safe practices for recreational boaters. The New York State Sheriffs’ Association (NYSSA) is teaming up with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Mohawk-Hudson Council of Yacht Clubs (M-HCYC), the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, and the Albany Yacht Club to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of safety on the water.

Event Details: Albany Yacht Club, 75 Broadway Rensselaer, NY 12144 on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at10:30 am

National Safe Boating Week is not just about having fun on the water; it's also about ensuring that everyone stays safe while enjoying their time. In 2022, there were 198 boating accidents in New York State that resulted in 77 injuries and 28 fatalities. Shockingly, 15 of these fatalities were paddlers. These statistics highlight the importance of being prepared and following safety protocols while boating.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, drowning was the leading cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2021. Even more concerning is that 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. This underscores the critical role that life jackets play in preventing tragic outcomes on the water.

Safe boating requires proper preparation and adherence to basic safety measures. Boaters should always carry emergency distress and communication equipment, wear life jackets, attend safe boating courses, participate in free boat safety checks, and avoid alcohol consumption while operating watercraft. These precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe boating experience throughout the season.

As we launch into this year's boating season, Sheriffs’ Offices across New York State are committed to promoting a culture of safety on the water. Boaters and paddlers are urged to take responsibility for their actions and set a positive example for others by consistently wearing a life jacket. By normalizing the use of life jackets, we can create a safer boating environment for everyone.

Mike Lochner, Commodore of the Albany Yacht Club, expresses pride in partnering with the NYS Sheriffs to support National Safe Boating Week. Lochner emphasizes the importance of preparedness, responsibility, and safety on the water. "Wearing a life jacket is highlighted as one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure personal safety while boating. Remember, life jackets save lives, but only if they are worn. Let's all commit to the motto this Safe Boating Week: WEAR IT."

The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, a symbol of maritime history, is reaching its impressive 150th anniversary from 1874 to 2024. This significant occasion prompts reflection on the lighthouse's captivating narratives and rich legacy. Join us in commemorating this historic event and contributing to the conservation of this iconic landmark for the benefit of future generations.

LAUNCH FROM ATHENS RIVERFRONT PARK @12:00 VIEW FROM CATSKILL DUTCHMAN'S LANDING @12:00 LAND AT HENRY HUDSON RIVER FRONT PARK @14:00

Prepare for an exciting Boat Parade on the Hudson River, scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024. The parade will start at the Athens Riverfront Park at noon, offering a breathtaking view from Catskill Dutchman's Landing simultaneously. The festivities will culminate at the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park at 2:00 PM, ensuring a day filled with happiness, melodies, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and distinctive memorabilia. We are delighted to announce that admission to the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park will be free from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

All boat participants are urged to gather at the Athens Boat Launch and Catskill Dutchman’s Landing beginning at 11:00 AM to be part of this unforgettable gathering. Let us unite in honoring the heritage of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse and guaranteeing its protection for the years ahead.

For the float plan, please CLICK HERE.