A large group of classic sailboat owners have formally come together to create and support the newly formed Classic Yacht Owners Association (CYOA), which will be based out of Newport, Rhode Island. The association’s goal is to bring owners together to create a positive and cohesive voice to the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the yachts and their programs today, and to support and unite the building, restoration, sailing, organizing and racing of classic wooden and spirit of tradition sailing yachts in the U.S.
Built in 1938, the 68-foot Sparkman & Stephens yawl Black Watch exemplifies the vessels served by the Classic Yacht Owners Association. © Allen Clark/PhotoBoat.com
“The CYOA mission is to promote the ownership, knowledge and appreciation of classic yachts and those yachts built in the spirit of tradition of classic yachts,” said Matt Brooks, owner of the classic 1930 Sparkman & Stephens yawl Dorade and a founding member and catalyst for the new group. “It is the direct intention of the CYOA to preserve and champion these yachts to insure their survival and enjoyment for future generations while encouraging, partnering and unifying the cruising and racing opportunities these yachts are able to participate in throughout the whole of the United States.”
“The association was formed to be a catalyst for unity, transparency, and inclusiveness in the Classics community at all levels,” said Executive Director Clark Poston. “Ultimately, the CYOA was created to facilitate communication among active owners in the class and sport, and to create renewed clarity and excitement about participation in classic and spirit of tradition yacht cruising, racing, and interest in ownership and restoration. Additionally, the Owners Association hopes to serve as a catalyst for national and regional cooperation of, and communication between, all regattas and the communities they serve.”
The CYOA is a member driven, non-profit organization with offices at Newport Shipyard. Membership during its inaugural year is free. For more information, or to become one of the 100-and-counting members, contact Poston at clarkposton@USCSYOA.com or visit ClassicYachtOwnersAssociation.org.
