One of FPYC's claims to fame (and this has literally been proven to be a World-Wide phenomenon) is our stellar success in hosting visiting crews from foreign flagged vessels visiting Baltimore Harbor.  Whether they are foreign Navy's (gray ships), or visiting tall ships, FPYC's Hospitality Committee and Club volunteers are the friendly face in a foreign place that visiting sailors all hope they encounter.

 

The Committee is the focal point in offering hospitality from Club members which is extended during our representative's initial visit to the ship.  Along with presentation of our Club's burgee to the ship, our Hospitality Chair, Bob McMichael, extends invitations from our volunteer members for sailors to go boating, shopping, touring, and a variety of other offerings of friendship and help while they are visiting Baltimore.  When possible, we arrange a dock party at Hendersons Wharf Marina, where many of our members keep their boats on Dock "B."  The average number of sailors hosted at these parties per visit is 25.  At times we've been overwhelmed and delighted with upwards of 75 hungry, thirsty, and appreciative sailors who enjoy our hot dog, burger, and side dish offerings, along with a refreshing beverage to wash it all down.  Without exception, our guests find our offerings most welcome, and we are usually gifted with a plaque of the ship, and some very kind words in some very polished English.

 

It is not uncommon for friendships that are formed by individual members and the sailors, to go on to become long lasting.  Our members are frequently invited to visit the sailors' ship for a tour, and at times we also receive formal invitations from the ship for some of our volunteers to attend cocktail parties complete with entertainment including music - VIP treatment is fun! 

 

Some of our Club members have even visited their newfound friends in their home countries, and have been the recipients of terrific hospitality well beyond what one would expect... all germinating from a relatively low key, low budget hosting, and offering of friendship to strangers in a foreign land.

 

We must be doing it right though, because we know for a fact that word travels across the seas and is passed along to other ships and crews that Baltimore is the port to visit, and the Fells Point Yacht Club is one of the primary reasons.