The National Potomac Yacht (NPYC) was created on May 29, 1963, at the Twin Bridges Marriott. It was latter incorporated on July 3, 1963, in the District of Columbia, as a non-profit organization. The club was formed for pleasure and recreation. Its purpose is to improve boating and dock facilities along the Potomac River -- especially at Columbia Island Marina (CIM) -- and to work with other groups to promote safety and improve cruising conditions. The club is a member of both the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club Associations (PRYCA & CBYCA).
Since its formation, the NPYC has been located at the Columbia Island Marina (Pentagon Lagoon) -- a National Park Service facility operated by Guest Services, Inc. (GSI).
To the consternation of guests trying to find us via the Internet, we have a Virginia zip code, even though the Potomac River — and Columbia Island — are in the District of Columbia. (Likewise, the Pentagon has a Washington zip code — despite being located on the Virginia side of the Boundary Channel.) The District of Columbia's jurisdiction ends at the low-water mark on the Virginia shore — on the far side of the "Humpback Bridge" across from A Dock.
The NPYC communicates to its members via a monthly newsletter affectionately known as The Skipper, and a bulletin board located near the snack bar at CIM. Current and past issues of The Skipper are available on this web site. (Traditionally, the newsletter is not published in July and December.)
The symbol of the club is the triangluar NPYC burgee -- as it appears on the top of this page. It is proudly flown on the bow of our members' boats.
The NPYC has two formal events each year. They are the annual Flag Raising and Change of the Watch.
The annual Flag Raising, on the first Saturday in May, is a colorful event, with our members in uniform and the United States Coast Guard Drill Team in attendance. The ceremony and champagne reception are open to the public, and have become a popular event marking the official start of the boating season.
The Change of Watch— where the responsibility of leading the club passes to the new officers of the Bridge and Board of Directors — is celebrated with a formal ball each winter....
.....and we host raftups during the summer.
Other traditional activities include the Blessing of the Fleet....
The Potomac River Yacht Club Association's annual Float-In competition....
An extended Summer Cruise on the Chesapeake Bay....
And an Oktoberfest, and Oyster Roast each fall at the marina.
In recent years, we've added a Caribbean Night...
And a Country & Western Night to our social calendar.
The NPYC also organizes occasional cruises and raft ups to other clubs, marinas, and various locations up and down the Potomac River — including Washington's Fourth of July fireworks...
And sponsors Movie Nights, year round.
