Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Groton, Connecticut, Shennecossett Yacht Club offers a delightful escape for boating enthusiasts and travelers alike. With roots dating back to the late 1920s, this once small gathering of 30 members has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 400. The club’s picturesque setting along Connecticut’s shoreline creates the perfect backdrop for your next maritime adventure.
Shennecossett Yacht Club provides visitors with 191 boat slips across five docks, along with essential amenities like fuel, ice, and comfortable shower facilities. Whether you’re planning a brief stopover during your coastal journey or looking to immerse yourself in Groton’s nautical culture, this hidden gem delivers both convenience and charm. The club’s strategic location offers direct water access, making it an ideal port for exploring the beautiful waters of Connecticut’s coastline.
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Shennecossett Yacht Club
Nestled on the beautiful shores of Pine Island Bay in Groton, Shennecossett Yacht Club offers you a warm, welcoming community for boating enthusiasts. Founded in 1928, this club has nearly a century of maritime tradition and stands just minutes away from Long Island Sound.
The club focuses on three core values: community, camaraderie, and a shared love for the sea. You’ll find a friendly atmosphere where families come together to enjoy yachting and create lasting memories on the water.
Shennecossett Yacht Club hosts regular events throughout the year. You can join committee meetings, participate in cruising activities, or attend quarterly gatherings. These events help build the friendly, sustainable, and inclusive community that makes this club special.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to boating, you’ll appreciate the club’s commitment to promoting family yachting. The facilities and programs are designed to foster both enjoyment and pride in Connecticut’s maritime heritage.
Rating: 4.9 (48 reviews)
Location: 1010 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340
Contact: (860) 445-9854
Website: Visit Website
History of Shennecossett Yacht Club
The Shennecossett Yacht Club has grown from a small gathering of sailing enthusiasts to a vibrant maritime community with deep roots in Groton’s coastal culture.
Founding and Early Days
Shennecossett Yacht Club began its journey on July 7, 1928, when the first “Cape Cod Knockabout Race” took place at 3 p.m. with four boats and no formal committee boat. The club formed around the younger men of the Eastern Point Colony with just 30 initial members that included both men and women.
These founding members shared a passion for sailing and created a community that would stand the test of time. In those early days, the small group established traditions that would become the backbone of the club’s identity.
When you visit today, you can still feel echoes of those first sailing enthusiasts who gathered near Pine Island to celebrate their love of the water.
Growth and Development
From its modest beginnings, Shennecossett Yacht Club has expanded dramatically to become home to over 400 members with more than 300 vessels ranging from 7 to 50 feet. The mix of sailboats and powerboats reflects the diverse interests of its membership.
The club now boasts impressive facilities including a clubhouse, five docks with 191 boat slips, and services like gas, diesel, and ice. In May 2005, Shennecossett earned recognition as Connecticut’s third certified “Clean Marina” for its environmental practices that go beyond regulatory compliance.
You’ll find Shennecossett is known as an active cruising club. Members have ventured to impressive destinations including Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Venezuela, and even the Pacific waters.
Activities and Amenities
Shennecossett Yacht Club offers a wide range of activities and top-notch facilities for boating enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from sailing programs for all ages to comfortable clubhouse amenities that make your stay enjoyable.
Sailing Programs
The club runs popular sailing programs for both beginners and experienced sailors. You can join seasonal sailing lessons if you’re new to the sport or looking to improve your skills. Children’s programs are available during summer months, providing a fun and educational experience for young sailors.
Racing events happen regularly, giving you opportunities to test your skills against fellow members. These friendly competitions build community while improving your sailing abilities.
For those who prefer casual sailing, the club organizes group outings and social sails throughout the season. These events let you enjoy the beautiful views of Pine Island Bay and Long Island Sound with fellow boating enthusiasts.
Clubhouse Facilities
The clubhouse serves as the social center of Shennecossett Yacht Club. You’ll appreciate the covered deck area with breathtaking views of the water—perfect for relaxing after a day on your boat.
Inside, you’ll find a large-screen TV where you can catch your favorite shows or sporting events. The full kitchen allows you to prepare meals during your stay, making longer visits more comfortable and convenient.
The main gathering space offers comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere for socializing with other members. Club events and gatherings happen regularly in this space.
Restroom facilities and showers are available for visitors using the transit slips. These clean, well-maintained amenities make Shennecossett a favorite stopping point for boaters exploring the Connecticut coast.
Community Involvement
Shennecossett Yacht Club goes beyond boating to become a vital part of the Groton community. The club creates meaningful connections through partnerships and fundraising efforts that benefit the local area.
Local Partnerships
The yacht club works closely with several Groton organizations to enhance the local maritime community. You’ll find they partner with the Groton Parks and Recreation Department to offer youth sailing programs each summer. These programs help introduce local children to the joys of sailing and water safety.
The club also collaborates with the University of Connecticut’s marine sciences program. Together they host educational events about marine conservation and the local ecosystem. These partnerships extend to the Groton Historical Society, where the club helps preserve the rich maritime history of the region.
You can often spot club members participating in local waterfront cleanups. They team up with environmental groups to protect Pine Island and surrounding waters from pollution.
Charitable Events
Shennecossett Yacht Club hosts several fundraising events throughout the year that support local causes. Their annual “Sail for Charity” regatta raises money for the Groton Food Bank and other community services. This popular event brings together sailors from across Connecticut for a day of friendly competition.
During the holidays, you can join their “Toys for Tots” boat parade. Members decorate their vessels with lights and collect toy donations for children in need. The sight of illuminated boats gliding through the harbor has become a beloved local tradition.
The club’s summer barbecues and clambakes often double as fundraisers for local scholarships. These casual gatherings welcome both members and non-members to enjoy food and entertainment while supporting educational opportunities for Groton students.
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