History of NBYA Paragraph:
The Narragansett Bay Yachting Association was formed in 1938, when a small group of local sailors met at the Rhode Island Yacht Club with a simple goal — to bring together people who loved sailing on Narragansett Bay. What started as a few clubs coordinating weekend races soon became a community dedicated to strengthening sailing across Rhode Island. Over the years, NBYA has helped connect more than 30 yacht clubs and hundreds of sailors, providing structure, support, and a shared sense of purpose on the water.
From the early wooden boats of the 1930s to today’s modern racing fleets, NBYA has always been about more than just competition. It’s about the friendships built from regattas, the families spending weekends on the bay, and the young sailors who discover confidence and teamwork on the starting line. Each season, we work to keep those traditions alive through training, racing, and events that welcome sailors of all ages and skills. More than 80 years later, our mission remains the same: to bring the sailing community of Narragansett Bay together and share the excitement, challenge, and companionship that make this sport so special.
Mission Statement:
The Narragansett Bay Yachting Association (NBYA) exists to promote and support the sport of sailing by providing leadership, coordination and resources for sailboat racing and sailing activities throughout Narragansett Bay and adjacent waters. As a Regional Sailing Association recognized by US Sailing, NBYA serves as a vital link between local sailors, clubs and national sailing authorities – fostering communication, ensuring fair competition and advancing opportunities for sailors of all ages.
Core Values:
- Leadership
- Providing structure, vision and coordination for sailing activities across our region, guiding clubs and sailors in alignment with national standards.
- Communication & Connectivity
- We serve as a bridge between sailors, local clubs and US Sailing, promoting open and effective communication throughout the sailing community.
- Stewardship & Responsibility
- We are fiscally and administratively responsible in supporting both junior and adult programs, ensuring sustainability and access for future generations.
- Integrity in Competition
- We uphold the rules and fair practices of sailboat racing through proper administration of appeals and race management in accordance with US Sailing guidelines.
- Community Support
- As a regional service center, we are a resource for local sailing associations – offering guidance and support in the planning and execution of sailing events.
- Education and Participation
- We are committed to growing participation in sailing by fostering learning opportunities and encouraging involvement at all skill levels and ages.