Who we are
Fleet 34 is the overarching organization for Ensign Class Association members along the coast of Connecticut. There are two main yacht clubs, Niantic Bay Yacht Club (Fleet 73) and Thames Yacht Club (Fleet 57), whose members are also part of Fleet 34 as well as any Ensign from other yacht clubs across the shoreline.
Founded in 1965, the fleet has a vibrant history and the desire to continue into the future. In 1994, member Gerald R. Daly wrote:
“Fleet 34 went on to become one of the most successful of the nearly 70 Ensign fleets that have been organized. Indeed, it has succeeded as have only two or three others in the country. The 1994 Ensign Yearbook roster for the fleet listed 30 Ensign owners (Regular Members) plus 23 Associate Members, and the Regular Member roster has held in the high 20s or low 30s for at least two decades. Only the fleets on Barnegat Bay, Lake Canandaigua and Galveston Bay have consistently had such large rosters over many years. The 1994 Yearbook showed that only Fleet 31 on upper Lake Huron, which has recently seen significant growth, had a larger membership than Fleet 34.”
Today the fleet maintains around 30 boats, but we are looking to grow our community into the future!
There is weekly racing at the Niantic Bay and Thames Yacht Clubs as well as races in Fishers Island Sound run by the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association. We are part of Region II/III of the Ensign Class Association (East Coast, from Milford, CT to Maine) and all of our members have the opportunity to participate in the Regional Championship each year. Additionally, we have many members who travel across the country for the Mid-Winter Regatta in South Carolina and the National Championship!
The ENsign
The Ensign is the largest class of full keel sailboats in North America, with over 2000 boats manufactured since 1962. Designed by Carl Alberg, its sustained popularity is due to very solid and durable construction, and a design that lends itself equally and admirably to comfortable family cruising, enjoyable day sailing, and close, strategic, tactical racing. The Ensign Class is one of the strongest national organizations, with numerous local fleets from coast to coast.
As a family day sailor, the Ensign has a large, deep cockpit, with enough room to comfortably seat six to eight adults. Its full keel provides a secure, stable ride, and its three foot draft makes it perfect for the shallower waters of bays and lakes and for anchoring fairly close to a protected shore. The cabin space is more than adequate for keeping lots of gear dry and can shelter two in a storm.
As a day sailor, the Ensign is a really enjoyable performer. The helm has a nice feel on all points of sail, and the boat has a versatile head sail inventory, including a working jib, a blade, #2 and #1 genoas, and a spinnaker. Single-handing is easy and exhilarating with the main and blade combination, especially if one includes the optional cabin top winches. For even easier head sail handling, it can be equipped with a roller furler.
The Ensign is 22 and 1/2 feet long, weighs about 3,000 pounds, and is best raced with a crew of four. Favored by former dinghy sailors and cruisers alike, it has no life lines and therefore many dinghy techniques (hiking, roll tacking, etc) can be used effectively. Racing is very close, strategic and tactical, with older boats performing just as well as the newer ones. This year's national champion was built in 1964, and last year's champion was built in 1966... testimony to the solid construction and durable design of the boat. The Ensign Class Association promotes and develops one design racing under uniform class rules, and rigidly maintains the one design features of the Ensign.
