Our History

Founded in 1898, The Ohio River Launch Club (ORLC) is one of the oldest Yacht Clubs in the Country and is the oldest continuous privately owned and operated club on the Ohio River.  In its early days, ORLC was home to various regattas including one in 1908 as described in Power Boating Magazine and Motor Boat Magazine.  According to the article in Power Boating Magazine, "It [ORLC] came into existence naturally on account of the growing popularity of the gasoline launch along the great inland waterway whose name it bears. On the stretches of the river above the city where its quarters are located, the opportunities for pleasure boating are surprisingly good."¹

An excerpt from  Power Boat News, Feb. 17, 1906, "Boat Clubs on the Ohio River", pp. 901-904, reads:

The next energetic power boat center is Cincinnati, at which city there are probably two hundred launches of various kinds. So great has become the interest of this sport that the river is fairly alive with water craft during the pleasant days of Summer. Three large boat clubs are in a most prosperous condition, not to mention a number of smaller ones.

. . . So rapid was the increase in the number of launches that a few years ago some of the most enthusiastic launch owners got together and decided to organize a club for power boats only. In due time a modest boat house was constructed; an anchorage was secured on the Ohio side of the river and thus was the beginning of the Ohio River Launch Club. So successful has this club been that the small boat has given way to a large commodious houseboat about the size of the Cincinnati Gymnasium Boat Club. Particular attention is given to the proper care of power boats. Work-benches and tools are provided, and supplies are carried for the conveniences of the members.²

Today, ORLC is home of boating enthusiasts much like their earlier counterparts.  In place of earlier regattas, the club participates in many events such as the renowned Tall Stacks Festival as well as numerous club sponsored trips.