History

Founded in 1962, Pelican Yacht Club is a member of the Gulf Yachting Association and the United States Sailing Association.

The Charter Members, an enthusiastic group of men pooled their efforts to construct six “Comet” class sailboats which were completed in due course and the first “One Design” sailboat racing activity commenced on False River.

The coffee pot used to supply coffee during the long hours for construction of these six original boats was later to become the permanent trophy for the Club’s annual “coffee pot” series of winter time club races.

Because of poor club facilities at the time, and because it was the only Comet fleet in this area, giving it no opportunity for inter-club competition, it soon became inactive and was supplanted by the Y-flyer class. The Y-Flyer fleet built up to about eight actively participating boats at its peak and enjoyed several years of good racing activity.

However because of the unfortunate coincidence of its members having to leave the fleet during a relatively short period of time, it became inactive. About the same time the Flying Dutchmen Fleet came into existence and it became the most active fleet in the club. With the gradual increase in the clubs membership, two other fleets emerged, the Lido14’s and the Day Sailor. And the late 70’s marked the beginning of the cruising class fleet.

Facilities

The club is situated on a two-acre site on the western side of False River near the town of New Roads . The front porch of the club house has an unobstructed view of the 14 mile long oxbow lake.

The long pier in front of the club house has a large deck at the end that affords a wonderful spot to view the lake and all its activities. The club has 300 feet of lake front property with 400 feet of dock and deck area. The club currently has 2 short term wet slips, and dry storage for approximately forty boats , all of which are in a very secure area. The concrete launch ramp can handle trailerable cruisers in the twenty six foot plus class with no problems. The long dock can accommodate large number of temporarily moored boats and those for week-end campers.

The club house offers a large air-conditioned main activity room , a large 'chart' room, new full kitchen with all appliances. In addition the new restroom facilities offer privacy with showers and dressing area.

False River offers excellent sailing opportunities with its clean deep lake waters. Good winds (almost) all year-round, a challenging place to sail because the wind direction shifts. It has been said, that if you learn to sail on False River, you can sail anywhere!

Because PYC is located far enough inland, and the area's mild climate, False River is ideally suited for year-round sailing.
There are very few week-ends during the year when there are no club members sailing.

Activities

The club offers a wide range of activities well suited to a family oriented atmosphere.

We currently sponsor open Regattas and a special Flying Scot Regattas. In addition we conduct numerous informal club races on weekends through out the year and have greatly expanded this program. Many members of the Club also participate in regattas held at other Gulf Yachting Association Clubs.

Club boats are available for use, in addition to free sailing instruction, for club members. You do not need a boat or even sailing experience, just the desire to learn.

If racing is not your thing, well this 14 mile long lake is ideal for day sailing and over night camping. Take a boat out drop, an anchor and dive in the clean water for a swim, an ideal outing for the family. How about an afternoon or evening sail to the town of New Roads, just a few miles north of the club, enjoy a meal then a leisurely sail back to the club.

The club hosts numerous socials during the year, wine & cheese tasting, beer tasting, fish fry, 4th of July boat parade, and the annual sail to New Roads to view their Mardi Gras Parade with a party at the club after the return sail.

The high point of the year is an annual Christmas Party hosted by the Club's commodore. The number of activities and socials are expanding as we are a fun loving group.

Feel free to drop by the Club on any nice weekend as there is usually a club member around and they will be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have.

Interested, give the Commodore or any board member a call and get started with this wonderful sport.