The Rich History of the Capital Yacht Club

Founded on October 19, 1892, the Capital Yacht Club (CYC) began with nine yachtsmen meeting aboard the naphtha-powered launch ALERT. Their mission was simple yet essential: hire a watchman to safeguard their vessels anchored in the newly formed Washington Channel. At the time, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) was transforming the area through dredging projects that created landmarks such as East Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin, shaping the Southwest Waterfront as we know it today.

During its early days, the waterfront—known as the “Sixth Street Wharf” since the Civil War—was a bustling seaport, home to fish wharves, tobacco and farm produce piers, ice and coal docks, towing companies, and steamship wharves.

Early Beginnings

1894: CYC’s first clubhouse, THE ARK, was a converted coal scow moored at the foot of Ninth Street.

1900: With membership growing to 30, CYC leased property at 700 Water Street and built a 1½-story wooden clubhouse.1922: A new clubhouse new Ninth Street featured a peaked roof, cupola, second-story balcony, and even a marine railway.

A Tradition of Racing

Racing was central to CYC’s identity from its inception. The club hosted numerous regattas and was a charter member of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA), formed in 1906 and incorporated in 1910. Despite interruptions caused by wartime, racing remained a vital part of CYC’s culture.

Challenges and Resilience (1940s–1970s)

In the 1940s, redevelopment plans by the ACOE and the Redevelopment Land Agency (RLA) threatened the club’s future. By 1967, plans to create a continuous seawall and promenade significantly reduced CYC dock facilities from 82 to 58 slips, causing membership to dwindle to just 17 members by 1969.

Despite these challenges:

1969: CYC’s iconic clubhouse, home for 47 years, was demolished.

1970: The club secured a lease for a shoreside parcel, and a new clubhouse was completed in 1973.

1980: Membership rebounded to 110 active and life members, with 600 associates enjoying the clubhouse restaurant.

Adapting to Change (1980s–2000s)

1982: The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) constructed the Yellow Line tunnel beneath CYC docks, temporarily relocating vessels. New docks with 79 slips were installed, and members returned that October.

1984: The second floor of the clubhouse was leased to restaurants, beginning with Le Rivage, followed by Jenny’s Asian Fusion from 2003 to 2015.

The Wharf Era and Community Commitment (2014–Present)

In 2014, the Southwest Waterfront entered a new phase of redevelopment, rebranded as The Wharf. CYC collaborated with developers and the District of Columbia to preserve its legacy while embracing the future.

Today, CYC thrives as a cornerstone of the Southwest Waterfront community with approximately:

163 active members

2 associate members

74 community members

31 life members

21 cruising members

CYC actively contributes to the community, hosting events such as Easter Seals Cruises for Kids, Patriot’s Picnics for wounded veterans, and Leukemia Cup Regatta activities. Its facilities support groups like the USCG Auxiliary and National Maritime Heritage Foundation.

In 2002, the DC City Council formally recognized CYC for its 110 years of service, honoring its role in preserving America’s National Waterfront and strengthening the Southwest community.

Looking Ahead

As the Capital Yacht Club charts its course for the future, it does so with pride in its legacy, a strong sense of community spirit, and excitement for the opportunities ahead.