Great Time to Set Sail

Darien’s Noroton Yacht Club Aims to Get People on the Water

When an establishment hosts a Friday Night Beer Can race, you know it must follow an easy-going mission. This is how Jolanda Sutherland, a member of Noroton Yacht Club (NYC), and Molly Weiner, its Director of Operations, explain the personality behind the club. In changing times, where disposable down time is a commodity, NYC has shifted some of its programs to accommodate. The club follows a community-based philosophy where members are present, involved, and have influence on the direction of the club. The motto that has galvanized its members is to get everyone on the water.

Diverse programming

“Sailing as a whole is changing,” says Jolanda. “And to use a sailing quote: When the wind changes direction, we adjust the sails.” They’ve appealed to newer members by offering different programs, in addition to the more traditional Fleet races and regattas. This includes the aforementioned casual Friday Night Beer Can Racing, Team Racing, an evolving Women’s Sailing Program, Learn to Sail, crew and mentor programs. By adding new, zippy fleets like the Vipers and Melges 15, and offering a club owned fleet of Sonars and Ideal 18s, which appealing to members who prefer to not own a boat. 

Molly notes how the range of options accommodate everyone from beginners to competitive sailors, which makes the sport more accessible. It’s working. There are over 100 kids in the Junior program this summer. “Junior Sailing is a pillar of our club. Many families have joined or join the club because of this program, and we are proud of the many multi-generational families at NYC,” she says. It’s also a lifelong, multigenerational sport. Jolanda points out that it is not uncommon to see grandparents sailing with their children and grandchildren.

Ladies room

Britt Hall, founder of the Women’s Sailing Program in 1999, chimes in on how this sector has remained successful.” We always listen to our participants and adjust the program to meet the Noroton women’s needs,” she says. They have found that the social component is just as important as the mentoring. For those who want to improve their racing skills, they added Learn to Race clinics this year. 

Kid-friendly

As a family-oriented yacht club, the Youth Programs have a strong presence. Celebrating its 75th anniversary last year, options include Junior Sailing (age 8-18), Big Boat Racing (age 14-18), Tennis (age 5-18), and Sunbusters (age 4-7). “Children build long-standing friendships and solid sailing and tennis skills,” says Molly. 

Tennis anyone?

You don’t have to be out on the water to take advantage of NYC’s full offerings. Tennis has been an important part of Noroton since 1930. There are competitive classes and matches with daily, strong participation in the summer months. Clinics and lessons are provided for all ages on two Har-Tru courts.

Lay of the land 

Members have access to the recently upgraded clubhouse with bistro dining and a full bar on the club’s upper level, and casual dining, BBQ and events on the patio and pier. There are two private beaches and a swim float with full time lifeguards all summer. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are made available by members for other members to enjoy.

Anticipated social events include a Memorial Day BBQ, Summer Solstice Party with dinner and dancing, Fourth of July Family Day and a lobster bake on Labor Day with live music and catering.

NYC goes back

Noroton Yacht Club was established in 1928 as an inclusive community for sailing enthusiasts. The club has produced many accomplished sailors, who have contributed to a strong lineage of adults and juniors who have found their sport.

Since its founding, Noroton Yacht Club has been a premier Northeast sailing and racing club producing multiple World Champions and elite level sailors. It is strongly represented in local, regional and international regattas.  

NYC rebuilt

Katie Mitchell, the current and third woman commodore of NYC, shares that the newly rebuilt clubhouse reinforces NYC’s mission. The multilevel building with open rooms, dining, outdoor areas to promote socializing and its panoramic views of Long Island Sound cater to sailing life. After Hurricane Sandy and Irene, the club determined that the 1928 clubhouse had to comply with FEMA’s newest standards. The structure was demolished in 2016 and the 7,500 square foot structure reopened in 2018. Its breezeway design is an open map to the water. “Today we have one of the finest facilities on Long Island Sound, with a focus on our sailing programs but with the added comforts of a restaurant and bar,” says Katie. “The view of the harbor and Long Island Sound remains, as always, spectacular.”

An eternal summer may not be in reach, but the clubhouse boasts carefree living with its light, nautical feel in all seasons. It has an open family room feel with a main seating area, bar and tables are all on the same floor, yet it’s roomy enough to stretch out and accommodate larger gatherings. It’s the expansive windows that absorb. Colors, nature and the tranquility felt from a boat shushing across the water pacifies make it the ideal local destination.

Community based

Noroton is a valued community partner with the Town of Darien. “We are home to the Darien High School Sailing team; the Darien Power Squadron’s educational classes; their annual Boat/Camp event (which is a joint effort by the Club, the Squadron and Person-to-Person); the on-the-water location for emergency transportation from the police boat to Post 53; as well as a host of other community events,” says Carolyn Wilson, past Commodore (2001-2002).  

NYC’s mission ever since its founding in 1928 has been to further sailing for family members of all ages and the growth of the sport. An underpinning of the club’s success is adedication to volunteerism,which offers plenty of opportunities to lend a hand. “Whether on Race Committee, Clean-Up Day, Regattas, social events or other volunteer activities, being involved is a great way to get to know other members and build lifelong friendships,” says Carolyn. 

Looking ahead

Scott Harrison, current Vice Commodore and member for more than 30 years, reinforces the “Let’s Grow Sailing” motto. “It’s a more the merrier sport,” he says. “While Noroton has a long history of competitive one design sailboat racing, we have been able to stay at the forefront by attracting and building new modern fleets over the years.” The same developments are seen in Junior Sailing with new programs and boat types added to their core offerings of Opti and C420 sailing. Examples include ILCA and Feva racing programs and a new big boat program. Says Scott, “This allows us to keep attracting young families and sailors.”

NYC is continually bustling with summer activity. At a recent women’s regatta, everyone is pitching in to make the celebration on brand. Tables are being set, launches are on high alert, and the water playground is alight with racing boats. It’s no wonder that NYC enthusiasts want to share their passion.

For more information on Noroton Yacht Club, please visit www.norotonyc.org.