The History of PRYC
The history of the Pasquotank River Yacht Club (PRYC) is a chronicle of maritime innovation and competitive prestige. Officially incorporated in September 1931 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the PRYC became a pivotal center for sailboat racing in the region. The club’s origin is deeply intertwined with Joel Van Sant III, a master mariner whose 1929 stay in Elizabeth City led to the invention of the Moth boat—a small, eleven-foot sailing vessel. While his primary yacht was undergoing repairs, Van Sant developed a design that was inexpensive and easy to build. Though originally intended to entertain his children, this accessible craft revolutionized local sailing and sparked a wave of enthusiasm for navigating the shallow waters of the Pasquotank River.
Following its founding, the PRYC emerged as a leader on the national stage. By October 1931, the club hosted its first annual regatta for Moth boats, and its influence quickly expanded beyond local waters. The PRYC played a central role in organizing the sport nationally, spearheading the formation of the National Moth Boat Association in 1932 and hosting the inaugural National Moth Boat Regatta in 1933. These events established the Pasquotank River as a premier destination for competitive sailors.
The club’s prominence was further highlighted on July 28, 1937, during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s visit to Elizabeth City. PRYC Commodore, Ernest Sanders, escorted the President during his tour of the city and the local U.S. Coast Guard base. This high-profile interaction reflected the club's significant social standing and civic importance during the mid-20th century. During this era, the PRYC was also home to a highly skilled girls' sailing team that gained national fame for competing in championship races and winning the prestigious Millicent Saunders Loving Cup.
In the 1950s, the PRYC expanded its competitive reach into high-speed motorized powerboat racing by sponsoring the International Cup Regatta. These events featured unlimited hydroplanes and drew massive crowds, with as many as 50,000 spectators lining the riverbanks to witness the "thunderboats." The PRYC’s reputation as a world-class venue was cemented in 1955 when a world speed record was set on the Pasquotank River during a club-sponsored race.
Today, the PRYC continues to honor this legacy. The club remains an active community of sailors participating in events such as the Albemarle Sound Sailing Association (ASSA) regattas. Furthermore, the club works collaboratively with the Museum of the Albemarle to preserve its rich heritage, including the history of the classic Moth boat and the figures who transformed Elizabeth City into a renowned boating and sailing destination. The PRYC continues to celebrate an enduring legacy of innovation, forever "making waves" in the worlds of competitive sailing and powerboating.
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