Waterfront
The Waterfront at PYC is the essential element of Club life. This is where members get to and from their boats, clean their boats, and work on their boats.
Visiting yachtsmen please click here to be directed to our informational page.
Tides
The tidal range varies from 8 to 12 feet, depending on the phase of the moon and the degree to which the moon and sun are pulling the tide in a similar direction. Each day’s high and low tides are generally written on a white board on the inside wall of the Dockhouse. For information on daily tides, go to https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/maine/falmouth-foreside-me/weather
Pier and Floats
Our waterfront consists of a fixed pier, four main floats perpendicular to the shore, and three connected at 90º to the first float — a “reverse L.” The main float closest to shore is reserved for launch operation. The remaining three main floats offer water, 30 amp (end float only), 110-volt electric power, and low-level night lighting. Each float has a rubber bumper extending its full length on both sides. Minimum low-water depth is 6 feet at the first float and 10 feet at the fourth float.
We provide carts for transfer of luggage from boat to land and vice-versa. We aim to maintain a good distribution of carts on the floats and near the House. if you can’t find one where you want one, please speak to a Launch Operator.
The three floats on the “bottom” of the L are reserved for specific uses. The two outer floats are used for boat storage by the Junior Sailing Program when it is in session. The inner float is available for temporary tie-up of dinghies on the shore side. The ocean side may be used by shallow-draft vessels for temporary tie-up.
The ramp from the float to the pier can be quite steep at low tide. Please be especially careful on the ramp.
If you arrive by water after dark, look for our Night Signal:
Dockhouse
The Hallam Singer Dockhouse was constructed in 2008. It was named after the late Hallam (Bud) Singer, a Past Commodore, Club Historian, and major contributor to the life and heritage of the Club.
Other Watercraft
The Club maintains a dinghy on the float at all times, for temporary use when launches are not in service.
The Club also maintains an outboard-powered Carolina Skiff workboat. It is available for member use in the anchorage, subject to checking in with the Launch Operator before using it.
Need help?
Launch Operators will, within the bounds of limited resources of time and tools, assist members and visiting yachts faced with problems. For example, the Club maintains a “starter pack” that the launch can bring to a boat disabled by a dead battery. However, Club employees may not provide routine service that could be done by a professional serviceperson or by the member. Please do not ask to use Club tools and equipment.
If a boat has problems at its mooring or while traveling in the anchorage, a Launch Operator will endeavor to assist when requested. If the problem is an emergency, such as a boat adrift, response will be as quick as possible. If it is not an emergency, the call will be answered during a break in service to members.
Launch Operators are trained to observe boats and moorings for signs of trouble, such as a boat settling in the water (potential leak) or frayed mooring pennants. If an Operator spots a potential problem, the Club will attempt to notify the member. If the situation is an emergency, the Operator will take whatever action is prudent in the situation, within the bounds of his/her own safety and the safety of the launch.
The ramp from the float to the pier can be quite steep at low tide. Please be especially careful on the ramp.
Club moorings
The Club maintains 10 moorings (each) for Club boats, including boats used by coaches in the Junior Sailing Program. These moorings should not be used by any other boats.
Member moorings
The Club does not provide moorings for members. Members purchase and maintain their own mooring tackle, subject to regulation by the Town of Falmouth. The Harbor Master controls the location of each mooring. Members wanting to change a mooring location, place a new mooring, or change boats and need a different size or swing room, should consult with the Harbor Master (207-781-7317).
Guest moorings
The Club has ten moorings that are available to visiting boats and to members who need a temporary mooring (for example, when their mooring tackle is being repaired). They are of several different capacities, with the larger-capacity moorings further from shore.
Visiting yachtsmen please click here for informational page.
No Slips
The Club does not offer slips because the anchorage is quite open to storm winds.
Dinghy/Kayak storage
The Club has 50 rentable spaces for dinghy storage and 20 spaces for kayak storage on a set of racks near the Boat Launch ramp. Once a member has rented a space, he/she has first claim on continuing the rental annually. Members wishing to rent a storage space should contact the Club Manager.
Any vessel that is dry sailed, and NOT in a Junior program, may store their trailered, non-motorized vessel only in designated locations. All vessels will require identification – either a PYC permit (for dinghies) or, on other vessels, contact information located ON the vessel.
Trailers must be stored in the designated location.
There is no storage of non-member boats, except for those used by participants in the Junior Program.
Dinghy valet service
This service allows a member to request that his/her dinghy be taken from the rack, launched and towed to his/her boat, and later returned to the rack. There is a seasonal fee. See the Club Manager for details and registration.
Boat launch ramp
The Club maintains a ramp for members to launch dry-sailed and trailerable boats. There is no charge for launching and hauling; however, members use the ramp at their own risk.
Launch schedule 2024
May 11-First day of Launch
May 11 – May 23
9:00-19:30
May 24- September 2:
08:00 – 21:00 hrs
Friday and Saturday (July 1 – Aug 31)
08:00 – 22:00 Hrs
September 3 – September 30:
09:00 – 19:30 hrs
Thursday only 09:00-20:30 Hrs
October 1-October 14
09:00 – 18:30 hrs
Launches
Currently, PYC has three solid diesel-powered launches to service its members: the William W. Thomas Jr., the James M. Churchill, and the Dana Bowker. Each launch is Coast Guard inspected, and all drivers have the required Coast Guard licenses. The Churchill carries 24 passengers, the Thomas carries 24 passengers, Bowker 18 passengers. These limits are strictly enforced, since the Coast Guard will penalize the Club and the operator for exceeding the limit. The launches are rotated in and out of service, to prolong their working lives. In very busy periods, all three launches will be used.
Launch operators have full authority to suspend operations when weather conditions make operations hazardous. They also have authority to refuse service to anyone not authorized to use the launch or who are under the influence of alcohol to the point of being a danger to themselves or others. In the event launch operators have to suspend operations they will broadcast a notification over VHF Channel 68.
Waterfront Policies
This is a summary only. The Club Rules contain detailed statements.
- Waterfront facilities are for use of Boating and Intermediate members of PYC and visiting yachts. (Other categories of members may use the waterfront facilities as visiting yachts.)
- Children 12 and under must wear a life vest at all times while on the pier, floats, and launches.
- The Waterfront Manager or, in his/her absence, the senior Launch Operator on duty may limit tie-up at the float to 30 minutes when demand for tie-up is heavy. They may also require boats to leave the floats during heavy weather, to avoid damage both the boats and to the floats.
- Boats may not be left unattended at the floats unless permission is granted by the Waterfront Manager or senior Launch Operator. Permission will not be granted if there is an expectation of heavy demand for use of the floats.
- Dining Room (Click here for hours)
- All vessels must comply with Federal, State, and local laws regarding overboard discharges. Violation of these laws may be punishable by the appropriate authorities.