The RHYC was established in 1937 to promote use of the Chesapeake Bay / Chester River and enjoyment of the surrounding environment. Safe and effective use of our shoreline is a critical to continue our mission.
- The main goal of the Rock Hall Yacht Club is to promote a sense of community and enjoyment in, on, and around the water.
- Preamble from Bylaws: promote and develop sailing, other boating, and diverse social activities for the enjoyment of members, their families and guests while continuing to contribute to the larger Chesapeake Bay community
We need to carry on operations / prepare for the next 80 years:
- Continue our mission
- Safe boating / slips
- More regattas
- Cleaner water / more wildlife
- Continue RHYCSS
- Attract more members
Along our shoreline (Spring 2017)
- Our bulkhead is disintegrating – it’s 50+ years old
- Our boat ramp is unsafe and unusable
- We are losing over 1 foot per year of shoreline property and trees
- Areas of unsafe conditions
- Long fetch from SSW produces a high energy environment – wind and waves battering our shoreline
Bulkhead and dock evaluation by Marine Technologies, Inc in 2013 found bulkhead “in a state of advanced decay and is in need of full replacement”
Shoreline assessment in Spring 2016 prioritized unsafe issues and put “bandaids” on
Waterfront Committee formed Fall 2016
Stockholders briefed Nov 2016 and consensus reached that waterfront needs near term attention – capital investment
Waterfront committee has worked with numerous govt agencies, marine contractors and consultants to assess the shoreline, develop options, and evaluate alternatives. Shoreline Management Plan developed & adopted as management tool.
Recommendation is comprehensive Shoreline restoration, preservation and ongoing management – a holistic approach.
4 Phase approach to be implemented the next 3-5 years, or as funding is available. The SMP is a living document to be updated as necessary and approved by the Board of Directors.
Timing Item Cost ($K) Rationale
2017 Replace S. Bulkhead and Boat Ramp $110 bulkhead in danger of collapse, current ramp closed
2018 Enhanced Pier / reconfigure Boat Slips $167 energy attenuation and “marina” safety
2019 NE Cove Living shoreline $ 26 stop property loss and ongoing erosion, grant possible
2019 Kayak area & Beach cove $ 27 protect wetlands,facilitate kayak launch
TOTAL expenditure $330
Stockholders approved the SMP in March 2017 which allowed initiation of plan and proposed phases as funds are identified.
Waterfront Committee’s next main focus: Funding – we need it to proceed with the plan
December 2017 status:
- Contractor selected: M&M Marine Construction (Stevensville, MD)
- Federal and State, and County permits / authorization received for Phase 1
- Work expected to commence on bulkhead replacement and new boat ramp construction this winter 2018
- Buy-A-Brick campaign is underway, need more bricks!
- ‘Fund the Future’ campaign is starting
- RHYCSS has been awarded Community Engagement mini-grant of $4,000 from Chesapeake Bay Trust to preserve Non-Tidal wetlands
May 2018 status
- Phase 1 completed as possible. The new boat ramp is installed. The entire bulkhead was not replaced, due to lack of funds.
- Over 2000 native wetland plants were introduced to the RHYC bulkhead by RHYCSS, Radcliffe Creek School. See video here.
October 2019
- Floating dock re-decking project underway. Spring 2020 planned completion
Phase completion is dependent on donations / gifts / grants and volunteers
Buy a Brick RHYC
