Pentwater Yacht Club receives national award

PYC Vice Commodore Mike Bass, at left, accepts the award from US Sailing President Rich Jepsen.

Pentwater Yacht Club receives national award

PENTWATER — The US Sailing One Design Club award recognizes administrative excellence, fleet growth, creative programming, regatta support and member contribution to one-design sailing, states a press release from the organization. This prestigious national award has been given to some of the most significant sailing clubs in the country. Now, the Pentwater Yacht Club is among those that stand out in advancing the mission of US sailing — to increase sailing participation and excellence through education, competition, and equal opportunity while upholding the principles of fair play, sportsmanship and safety.

The PYC was recognized as a result of the following three activities.

• In 2023, the Pentwater Yacht Club organized a highly successful one-design regatta, the Ensign National Championship. Thirty-five boats contended across three days on Lake Michigan in highly-competitive conditions. Leadership of the Ensign Class Association recognized the regatta as one of their best ever. Over $15,000 was raised by the event which will be used to further youth sailing education in the community.
• 2023 also saw the inaugural Sunfish Shootout at the PYC. Sixteen local sailors participated in a unique match race format that engaged the local community and raised significant money for youth sailing.
• The PYC, using its new building and facilities as a springboard, has created the PYC Sailing Academy as the means to develop new programming for both members and the community. Participation in club sailing activities has increased substantially across multiple fleets as a result of these efforts.

“The Pentwater community welcomed sailors and their crews from around the nation through its sponsorships and volunteered In many support capacities. In turn, these visitors and spectators opened their wallets supporting Pentwater’s variety of local business.”

The PYC was recognized at the US Sailing National Sailing Programs Symposium in Savannah, Georgia, Feb. 1 .