The First Mates are all women with signing privileges at P.C.Y.C., and our mandate is to:

  • Organize and host social events for the general membership and the women of PCYC
  • Enable the women of PCYC to meet other members
  • Organize and/or support boating and safety events
  • Participate with existing committees of the PCYC
  • Continue to raise funds for special club projects

What Is Our Story?

From the time the club was inaugurated in 1936 to the present, the women of the club have played a role. At first they were not welcome in this all men’s sailing club but when the men realized that parties without wives and food weren’t much fun, the women began to exert more influence. In 1946 the constitution was amended to admit women as members: wives and daughters only, with no rights to vote or hold office, but it was a start! The tradition of assisting in club activities, promoting fellowship, and raising funds for club projects was well established by the fifties. By the time we moved to our present site in 1990, the First Mates had abandoned the Ladies Auxiliary days to become a strong presence in the club.

What Do We Do?

By organizing, promoting, and hosting social gatherings, we have enriched club life over the years. While some social events are designed to be primarily of interest to women, (fashion shows, alternative health and make-up afternoons) others are more inclusive (craft afternoons, Pasta and Pub nights, ballroom dancing). Still others, (Knot needed sale, boating safety seminars) are held as a service to members.

How Have We Spent Our Money?

While fellowship continues to be a central focus of our activities, the fund-raising allows us to purchase items to enhance the club: everything from the flagpole to the fire cart, the cappuccino maker, the front awning to the picnic gazebos, and many items in between. The club is a more comfortable, more attractive and safer place as the result of our fund- raising.

How Can You Get Involved?

Executive Meetings are open to all First Mates. Please feel free to join us – first Tuesday of the month in the boardroom at 7 p.m. Please call the president if you wish to attend a meeting. Or call any of the executives if you have suggestions for activities or areas of the club that could benefit from our fund-raising. We need your support and input

If you are interested in finding out more about First Mates, please send an e-mail to firstmates@pcyc.net