By Julia Barcello
As the sun dips low over the horizon, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club (IHYC) stands representing a sailing legacy a century in the making. This year, IHYC is primed to celebrate a hundred years of their junior sailing program, an initiative that has sparked passion for boating in the hearts of countless young sailors, members and non-members alike.
The Indian Harbor Yacht Club was designed by American architect Henry Pelton and built by the Charles Wills Construction company in 1920. Both men were IHYC members; Pelton was best known for his designing of the Riverside Cathedral in New York, and Wills was recognized for buildings such as the University Club and the New York Stock Exchange. The IHYC Clubhouse is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the words of Nancy Lundy, Chair of the IHYC History Committee, “To my mind, Indian Harbor Yacht Club is part of the very fabric of the Town of Greenwich. The Clubhouse sits at the foot of Greenwich Avenue – now a major through fare; before a dirt road.”
Jonathan Nye, communications officer at IHYC further explained IHYC’s history, “Starting in 1930, The Club has had a long tradition of actively supporting high school and middle school sailing. That year, Indian Harbor’s Commodore Clifford Mallory helped create high school sailing and today, the interscholastic national championship bears his name, ‘The Mallory Trophy.’”
Beyond the accolades and events, it is the people and their shared passion that define IHYC. The junior sailing program is more than just instruction; it’s about imbuing the spirit of yachting in the youth, fostering a community where the love for the sport can flourish. “The officers and members of IHYC take pride in being a part of the community: hosting local high school sailing & rowing teams; hosting annual Memorial Day observances open to all,” stated Nye. Today, under the guidance of chairman and member Jon-Claude Zucconi, the program continues to steer young enthusiast towards the sea.
The junior sailing program, launched back in 1923, has been pivotal in IHYC’s legacy. IHYC’s and its leadership have been instrumental in advancing youth sailing. “The Club’s mission includes to encourage and support the sport of yachting… This means not just among the membership but also the broader boating community,” explained Nye.
“A sense of community and friendship centered around boats and adventures on the water – pleasure sailing, racing, power boating – and all that our historic Clubhouse and grounds provide,” said Lundy, reflecting on the essence of the junior sailing program and what it brings to IHYC.
Through the decades, the program has seen numerous success stories. In fact, just under 10% of IHYC’s active membership are alumni of the junior sailing program.
IHYC hosted the U.S. Sailing Youth Championship while also qualifying for multiple championships such as the International 240 Atlantic Coast Championship (AC) in 2014. The ACC is a world championship qualifier and a vital competition for young sailors with Olympic ambitions.
As IHYC celebrates and reflects on 100 years, it also looks towards a future with full sails; their commitment to nurturing young sailors and promoting the sport of yachting is as strong as ever. The junior sailing program will continue to shape the lives of countless more children and young adults, offering them unique experiences, lasting friendships, and a deep-seated appreciation for the art of sailing.
Laura Boutelle former student and now member of IHYC expressed her gratitude for the program, “You know I spent my summers for 10 years out sailing… It taught me resilience, whether I was working as a team or as an individual, it obviously taught me the basics of sailing but it also taught me love and respect of the water.”
