Welcome to Port Washington Yacht Club

Port Washington Yacht Club offers an active sailing program and a welcoming social community on Lake Michigan. From racing and cruising to social events and volunteer opportunities, there’s always something happening at PWYC.r-owned and rooted in the community for years to come.

Members come together ashore at the club through social events, dining, and club traditions that define the Port Washington Yacht Club experience. From casual gatherings at the bar to special events and member celebrations, these activities create opportunities to connect, relax, and enjoy time at the club.

See the latest news and upcoming events below to stay informed about what’s happening around the clubhouse.

At the heart of Port Washington Yacht Club are our on-the-water activities — including racing, pleasure boating, youth programs like Sea Scouts, and other boating experiences that define club life on Lake Michigan.

See the latest news and upcoming events below for recent updates and opportunities to get involved.

The Port Washington Yacht Club was founded in 1956, when a group of local boaters — led by Harbor Master Alfred Freese and Wm. F. Schanen Jr. — came together with a shared goal: improving safety in the once-perilous Port Washington harbor. What began as a small group focused on boating safety quickly grew into a vibrant club centered around sailing, boating, and community.

In 1972, the club secured a lease from the City of Port Washington for an old beachside bathhouse located just north of the marina. Members transformed the building into the clubhouse that continues to serve the club today, featuring a bar, kitchen, lounge, dining area, and space for social gatherings and events. More recently, club members purchased the building outright, ensuring that the Port Washington Yacht Club remains proudly member-owned and rooted in the community for years to come.