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Massabesic annual regatta.

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Massebesic Lake, Manchester/Auburn NH

New England

The New England District is in the Northeast region and encompasses Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island.

Our active fleets in Massachusetts are located at Rockport (Sandy Bay Yacht Club), Duxbury (Duxbury Bay Yacht Club), Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield (Quannapowitt Yacht Club), and Lake Massapoag in Sharon (Massapoag Yacht Club), as well as at Harwich Port (Stone Horse Yacht Club) and Chatham (Pleasant Bay Community Boating) on Cape Cod.  Our New Hampshire fleets are located at Lake Massabesic in Manchester (Massabesic Yacht Club), Spofford Lake in Spofford (Spofford Yacht Club), and Lake Sunapee in Sunapee (Lake Sunapee Cruising Fleet).

Our District Governor is Dennis Dobe from Fleet 196, at Massabesic Lake in NH.  The New England District is the home to FSSA Chief Measurer Roger Sharp, FSSA Web Editor Diane Kampf and Scots 'n' Water Editor Tim Mallette

The New England District has a Facebook group  here .

Follow Massapoag Yacht Club's Fleet 76 on Facebook  here .

2024 New England Districts at Massabesic Yacht Club, Auburn, NH

2023 New England Districts at Stone Horse Yacht Club, Harwichport, MA

2021 Cruising on Lake Champlain, VT

2021 New England Districts at Massabesic Yacht Club, Manchester, NH

2021 Wife-Husband is a wrap!

Massabesic Yacht Club

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Manchester, NH 03103

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   Back                                                                                                                 Massabesic Yacht Club

                                                                                                                                     P.0. Box 801

                                                                                                                   Manchester NH 03105-0801

                                                                                                             Telephone:   603-623-9978

                                                   MASSABESIC YACHT CLUB

                                                  AN INTRODUCTION LETTER

Lake Massabesic is a natural lake formed by glacial gouges and boulders dropped by the receding glacier. Its ecology is sub-Arctic. It is fed by streams that drain a large watershed east of Manchester and is used as a public water supply by the City and surrounding towns.   The water level fluctuates about four feet during the boating season. The lake is a sailing sanctuary as the Water Department's prohibition of swimming precludes water skiing and therefore minimizes power boat traffic. Depths range from three to fifty feet. Boats with fixed keels or draft in excess of five feet are unsuitable for courses usually sailed on the lake.

On Sundays, we have both Class and Open racing from late May to early October.   An Open Class Competition for the Richmond Cup is traditionally held on Labor Day, and an invitational Regatta is held the weekend after.   We use the Portsmouth Yardstick published annually by U.S. Sailing for handicapping Open Class races.

The Lake and its shores are owned and strictly controlled by the Manchester , New Hampshire Water Department. M.Y.C. is here as a guest of the Water Department. The Club owns and maintains the equipment at the anchorage. We vigorously support the Water Department regulations, particularly those pertaining to discharge of wastes, the prohibitions of wading, swimming or overnight camping.

We periodically publish a booklet containing our Constitution and Bylaws, a roster of members and other information needed by members.   Our monthly newsletter, Rumblings, is sent to all members.

We maintain a Clubhouse, picnic facilities and a lighted dock and anchorage for about 100 sailboats.   Padlocks are on all facilities and keys are changed periodically for security purposes.   Chemical toilets at the anchorage protect against waste discharges into or near the lake.   Your property at the anchorage can be considered somewhat secure as members perform watch to deter vandalism and theft most evenings from dock‑in to dock‑out. The Harbormaster is in charge of the anchorage and grounds, and new members must consult with him to obtain a spot for their mooring.

Member duties include attendance at dock‑in or dock‑out, one race committee on racing days, and four scheduled duty evenings.   We have monthly meetings where we discuss Club Business and vote on the rules for the Club.   There is a telephone in the clubhouse; telephone number is 603-623-9978.   Please answer if you hear it ringing.

You will find M.Y.C. a great group of all kinds of people and one of the best sailing sanctuaries in New England . The membership is limited to 100 regular members and 20 racing members.   Membership applications may be processed through P.O. Box 801 , Manchester , New Hampshire 03105 , providing they are submitted with the appropriate fees and signed by a current member as a sponsor.   Applications are placed on the waiting list and voted in the order received.

Finally, M.Y.C. is a sailing club for pleasure and is not intended to be an adjunct to a member's livelihood.   If you sell something; do not use your membership to market, demonstrate or promote it.

Thank you for joining us.   We hope you enjoy our Club!

The Membership

                                      MASSABESIC YACHT CLUB HANDBOOK

                                                        RULES OF COURTESY

The following rules are offered as a general guide to members to help alleviate overcrowded conditions at the dock during periods of heavy traffic conditions.

1.          When convenient, tie up at your mooring rather than at the dock.   Weather conditions permitting, sails can be rigged and taken down at the mooring with little difficulty. Whenever possible, ferry service will be provided by the race committee

2.          Shallow‑draft yachts are urged to use the dock area closest to shore to allow deeper draft yachts access to the dock.   Smaller boats are also encouraged to use the NORTH dock to alleviate overcrowding at the SOUTH dock area.

3.          When launching a yacht, plan carefully in order to minimize time spent at the launching ramp.   Try to select a time for launching and/or removal when club activities are on the light side.   Under no circumstances should this be done during peak periods of activity. Do not leave your vehicle and trailer on the access road where they will obstruct traffic flow.   Remove them to the road outside the main entrance or return them to your designated dry sail area.

4.          When leaving for an extended period with your boat notify the Harbormaster. This will assure that your mooring facilities will be free upon your anticipated return date.

5.          DO NOT tie up club dinghies any longer than necessary to retrieve your boat from its mooring.   They are not to be left at moorings for long periods of time or used for amusement purposes.

6.          No fishing is allowed from the dock area on Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. or at other periods of heavy boating activity (e.g. special races).

7.          Wading and swimming are not allowed under any circumstance.

8.          For safety sake, do not leave your children unsupervised at the club facilities; they are YOUR responsibility.

9.          Please tie your yacht to the dock bow on and do not leave your yacht tied to the dock for extended periods.

                                                     DUTY RESPONSIBILITIES

­                       Two members are assigned Duty each night of the week from dock-in until dock-out.

­                       Duty is from 1900 until 2130 ( 7pm to 9:30pm ) each day and additionally 1630 hours until 1900 ( 4:30pm to 7pm ) on Sundays.

­                       Sign in and out of the log book. Note all unusual occurrences.      Identify any member missing Duty.

­                       Duty is performed in and around the clubhouse and docks, not out        sailing on the lake.

­                       Pickup club grounds and empty all trash barrels.

­                       Sweep and pick up the clubhouse interior. Brooms and dust pans are located in the middle locker.

­                       Secure/lock the three dinghies and the green workboat.

­                       Close and secure all windows, lock the door, set the alarm, and install entrance cable when Duty is completed.

­                       Attempt to call boat owners in case of emergency.   ( call collect   if necessary).

                            REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO MASSABESIC LAKE

Watershed, Storage Basins , Tributaries:

l.           Trees, shrubs and flowers within the area shall not be cut or removed.

2.          The sale of food, drinks or merchandise of any kind within the area is prohibited.

3.          No person shall place in or near the waste containers any garbage, refuse or trash of any kind that he has brought from his home, camp or place of business.

4.          Only charcoal fires shall be kindled or maintained, and only in controlled areas.

5.          The breaking of bottles or the throwing of trash of any description into the lake is prohibited.

6.          Tenting, camping or overnight use of trailers or campers is prohibited.

7.          No firearms or air rifles shall be exhibited or discharged in the area.

8.          Bathing, wading and water skiing are prohibited.

9.          Wading while launching, removing, entering or leaving a boat is strictly prohibited.

10.        Rubber rafts, sailfish and sunfish are prohibited.

11.        Dogs must be leashed and all domestic animals shall be kept out of the water.

12.        This is our water supply.   Please help keep it clean.

MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE CLUB BY‑LAWS AND OUR LEASE REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH THE MASSABESIC LAKE REGULATIONS .

VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL FROM THE CLUB.

I.           GENERAL INFORMATION

A.         CLUB MEETINGS

Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at the location announced in the RUMBLINGS.   Any change of date and/or special subjects to be discussed will be announced in the monthly newsletter.

B.         RUMBLINGS

This is the club newsletter which contains announcements, reports of activities, club news, racing results, racing and cruise schedules.   The newsletter is published and mailed several days prior to each meeting.

C.         MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Each regular and racing member is required to serve Duty (four times), Race Committee (one time), and Dock-in or Dock-out.   If a member is unable to perform a required duty, he must make arrangements for a replacement and inform the Commodore, Harbormaster or Race Committee Chairperson as appropriate.   There are penalties for missing a required activity which include both fines and possible loss of membership.   All alternate duties must be approved in advance.

D.         RACING

The club holds an organized racing series for many classes as well as an open class. Generally, two races are held each Sunday throughout the season. New competitors are eagerly welcomed. You don't have to be an expert to race. Even beginners have a chance to win. The racing season is divided into three series: Spring, Summer and Fall.   Trophies are awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each active class for the three series.   In addition, several special races are sponsored throughout the season.   These include class regattas, Master's Race, Ladies' Race, Cobweb, Commodore's Cup and Richmond Cup.   Racing is an excellent way to learn about sailing, your capabilities, and your yacht. You may contact the Race Committee Chairperson for full details of racing schedules, sailing instructions, and racing rules in general.

The club operates and maintains a Race Committee Boat (pontoon) as well as an outboard launch for racing activities. The enclosed chart of the lake shows the various locations on the lake where race markers are set depending on conditions for

the day.   Each race day, the Race Committee will determine a proper course based on the conditions.

II.          SPECIAL EVENTS

A.         NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION AND PICNIC

Each year, M.Y.C. holds an orientation and picnic for new members.   This is an opportunity to learn about the operation of Club buildings and grounds as well as meet new friends.   New members receive a tour of the building and grounds, become familiar with the general guidelines about the use of Club facilities, learn about the alarm system, and review duties and responsibilities of membership.   Following the orientation, the Club holds a picnic to introduce new members and their families.  

B.         ANNUAL LOBSTER COOKOUT

One of the highlights of the summer season is the Annual Lobster Cookout.   This fun filled event traditionally follows the Ladies' Race in August.

C.         ANNUAL REGATTA

Massabesic Yacht Club holds an annual regatta each fall the weekend after Labor Day. Yachts of many classes are invited to attend for a weekend of racing and fun. The usual routine is for a minimum of two races to be held on Saturday followed by a cookout, and three races on Sunday followed by the presentation of awards to the winners.   The actual number of races is determined by the conditions.

D.         SAILING PROGRAM

Instruction is provided by volunteers from the club.   Each year the program includes classroom instruction on safe boating and sailing, marlinespike, seamanship, review of rigging, boat parts, boat handling, care and handling of sails, capsize and man overboard drills.   On the water activities to learn to sail the Program's fleet are included.

E.         CLUB GROUNDS

The club grounds are located on the northwest shore of Lake Massabesic on land owned by the Manchester Water Works.   The use of the lake depends on the strict adherence to the rules and regulations concerning the public use of Lake Massabesic and the land around it.   The club owns an A‑Frame building for the storage of club property and equipment, and is protected by an automatic burglar/fire alarm system.   Additional shore facilities consist of a concrete launching ramp and two floating docks.  

The docks are removed at Dock‑Out and stored for the winter and replaced each spring at Dock‑in.   Dinghies are provided for club members’ use.   Please remember to lock the dinghies, buildings, and the gate to the club grounds when leaving the area to help discourage vandalism. The grounds are automatically lighted at night.

F.          ALARM SYSTEM

A.         Disarming the Unit

When you arrive at the A Frame, you will see a small metal box at the right of the doors.   This box is secured with a standard club padlock.   Unlock it and you will see a small touch tone pad with an indicator on it.   This is the arming and disarming control for the alarm.   IF THE LIGHT IS LIT, IT INDICATES THE ALARM IS ARMED.   To disarm the panel, enter the Club's private code, and the light should go out.   If the light does not go out, try entering the code again.   If you forget to enter the code, and open the A Frame, the alarm will emit a high pitched tone for 35 seconds to warn you that you have tripped the unit.   You can then enter the code at the main panel.   This will have the same effect as entering the code at the outside of the building.

B.         Arming the Unit

Arming the unit is exactly the opposite of disarming the unit.   Make sure you have logged the time you leave the building in the Log Book.    Close windows, turn off lights, and lock the main door and arm the alarm.   Enter the Club's code in the digital access control unit at the front of the building.   The red light should come on to indicate the unit is armed.   Relock the alarm box with the padlock.

G.         MOORINGS

The club moorings are restricted to club members.   Before placing a mooring, it must be approved by the Harbormaster.   The Harbormaster will then designate a location according to a master plan to allow access to the docks and prevent collisions. The Harbormaster will provide details regarding what constitutes an adequate mooring for each class of boat to help assure safety in all weather.

H.         ANNUAL BANQUET

The annual banquet is held in January. The past season's racing awards are given and the new officers for the ensuing year are introduced. This is the highlight of the winter season and helps us endure the remainder of the cold, wintry weather in anticipation of spring and Dock-in.

I.           LAKE MASSABESIC

Lake Massabesic is the water supply for the City of Manchester .   For this reason, a strict set of regulations is published and enforced by the Water Department.   Violation of these regulations could mean a stiff fine, both civil and club, and possible loss of club membership.   Remember, these rules and regulations serve to maintain the area in its natural wild state for the enjoyment of everyone (see rules and regulations included herein).

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