Along the Connecticut Shoreline resides a longstanding organization that allows for several sailors to set ashore for some entertainment and exhilaration while knotting up a great deal of camaraderie and friendship aboard the seas in the Frostbite Yacht Club (FBYC).

Walter Rowe based his centerboard yawl at Essex all the way back in 1930. From this starting point, he and a few friends shared the growing interest in frostbite racing. They then developed from City Island to Marblehead. When these zealots made rendezvous in Manhasset Bay in 1932, Rowe invited them to come to Essex once a year in early March, which led to formalizing an Eastern Frostbite Dinghy Regatta.

Commodore Hobart Ford of the Cruising Club of America led the way to Essex from the western end of the Sound, carrying a deckload of racing dinghies. This inspired Rowe and his friends to organize a permanent home for the regatta. Eventually, the Essex Yacht Club was commissioned on June 17, 1933 in quarters rented from the Steamboat Dock. A dinghy series inaugurated that summer kept on for 50 years –and from there, the Yacht Club continued to thrive and grow.

Dinghy racers have competed in Bermuda, Toronto, London, at Marblehead, in Larchmont, and San Francisco. Furthermore, they brought home regional or national championships in Penguins, Thistles, Rhodes 18s, International 14s, One-Ton, and Midgets competitions.

In 1958, there were 65 Blue Jays in the river, and Rowe utilized the Jays to reintroduce frostbiting as a major event of Essex Yacht Club's 25th Anniversary festivities. Frostbiting then became a joint venture of Essex and Pettipaug and became a fixture on the river. The Essex Yacht Club then received its charter for the Frostbite Association from the Eastern Frostbite Association.

Today, FBYC has a spring and fall season, with each campaign running nine weeks. For the fall season, it kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 6 and wraps up most likely on Saturday, Dec. 7. The club mostly sails on Sundays, with the exception of holidays. In the fall season, they usually end on a Saturday to facilitate cleanup and breaking down boats.

Weather permitting, the spring season starts up the first week in March and continues through April.

There is no postseason. Currently they race Lasers, Ideal 18's, Etchells, and JY 15's for their classes of racing. Each class crowns a winner for that class, runner-up, and third place based on the full season of races. Each class races anywhere from four to seven races on a given Sunday. If there is no wind or too much wind, the action is called off for that day.

“The club reached its 90th year of racing back in 2023,” said Treasurer Mark Kondracky. “Competitors enjoy the challenging conditions while racing, the camaraderie between the racers, and the hot soup and stories told after racing.”

Additionally from the four classes that Kondracky mentioned, they welcome other fleets having four or more boats competing. A fleet of Rockets traveled from Bantam Lake to sail with the group last fall. The total number of boats racing varies weekly based on weather and other factors, but is generally around 25-35.

If people want to see the action but aren’t ready to jump in, then they can watch from The Connecticut River Museum. Races start at 1 p.m and end by 3:30 p.m. They sail mostly in the middle of the river, so spectators are encouraged to bring binoculars.

The club welcomes all varying backgrounds for those looking to get active. Commodore Revell Sandberg-Diment added that it can become a year-round lifestyle for some.

“There is no real set training. Experience level varies greatly, and it’s relatively easy to start out as a crew on a boat,” said Sandberg-Diment. “Some Frostbiters use this offseason sailing as training for the summer series.”

With regards to the impact on families and the community, the FBYC transcends generations with its membership, thanks to its longevity and popularity. It is impossible to pigeonhole the club into a certain age demographic. The connection through the waves also bolsters connections among family members.

“One of the great parts of this club and sailing in general is seeing multiple generations enjoying the sport,” said Sandberg-Diment. “We have had teenagers and octogenarians sailing in our club. This is a club that will keep you active pretty much no matter your age. There is a position or boat for pretty much anyone out there. Kids come out with their parents. I Frostbite with my sister and find the challenges and fun of sailing definitely help strengthen our relationship. The general community and camaraderie around the club is great.”

In terms of those looking to suit up and take on the waters, attaining club membership is quite easy. Interested parties can search the web to learn more, and they can even get first-hand experience of what it is all about by shadowing current members.

“It is really easy to get involved with the club. I started as a crew, then I borrowed a boat and had so much fun that I bought my own,” said Sandberg-Diment. “Our website lists board members that can be contacted. We are also active on Facebook. Prospective members can come down to 13 Novelty Lane in Essex and talk with members during the season. We are always looking for volunteers to help run races. Skippers are also often looking for crew.”

For more information, people are encouraged to visit www.fbyc.org.