Volunteering
Since its founding in the 1930’s, Richmond Yacht Club has thrived and progressed due to the hard work of the many members who have volunteered their time, skills and expertise. During the club’s earlier years, members actually constructed the clubhouse and harbor, tended bar, cooked food, and cleaned while continuing to manage all the other business of a yacht club.
Clearly RYC has changed over the years. We now have a Club Manager, office staff, bar & galley staff, a Harbormaster and a Youth Training Director. Major construction and maintenance are now done by professionals. However, out volunteer effort is still essential. Our social events are run by volunteers, the Junior Program is run by volunteers, our races are all managed by volunteers, and through our Board of Directors and committees, all aspects of RYC operations are overseen by members. This makes a very significant contribution to RYC’s financial health while also enhancing the spirit and sense of “family” at the club.
On Shore
The RYC Events Committee hosts the parties and social events that happen off the water. If you enjoy socializing or throwing a party, please reach out to the Events Committee and offer your help. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow members. No experience is necessary. Some areas you might work on are set-up, decorating, T-shirt sales for regattas and flower arranging. If
you are interested in helping with a specific upcoming on shore event, please
go to the specific calendar event on our website. You can see our upcoming on shore events on the Club Events page. Click on any of them to get more details and to get access to the Volunteer button.
We also ask you to
create and maintain a volunteer profile so we can search the database and find
you when we have a specific need. Please go to the Volunteer Portal to create your volunteer profile, sign up for events, or ask for your upcoming shoreside event to be added to the calendar.
On the Water
Our racing programs always need volunteers. Many of these jobs provide an opportunity to get out on the water, and prior experience is not necessary. There are always jobs on shore as well, such as helping with scoring, lunches, and check-in. For more details about volunteering for race committee, click here.
Dinghy sailors can help Richmond Yacht Club reach out to the local community. Each March, RYC hosts a “Sail a Small Boat Day” where members lend their small boats and expertise by giving free rides to sailors and non-sailors, young and old. To learn more, email [email protected].
Committees
The next level of commitment for an RYC member is to join a standing committee. Committees are the backbone of RYC, tasked with ensuring that the Club runs smoothly. Most committees meet once a month. For more information, members should go to our Committee page for a description of each committee’s role and current contact.