🌊 Frequently Asked Questions

🔻 What is the Harlem River Yacht Club?

Harlem River Yacht Club (HRYC) is a lifestyle brand, cultural movement, and events collective founded by Ohene “Commodore” Cornelius. It blends fashion, art, music, and waterfront reclamation to reimagine what Black legacy, leisure, and ownership look like—rooted in Harlem and rippling worldwide.

🔻 Do you own boats or operate a marina?

Not yet. The “Yacht” is symbolic—representing access, leisure, and power traditionally denied to our communities. But real boats and shoreline development are on our map. This is a long-term voyage, and we’re building the fleet.

🔻 What does the clothing represent?

Our apparel is armor, affirmation, and archive. Every piece is designed to reflect Harlem’s heartbeat—rich maroon for heritage, deep gold for success, olive green for growth. It’s fashion with meaning: a compass for the culture.

🔻 Where can I buy HRYC gear?

Shop directly through our website or at select NYC pop-ups, events, and art shows. Sign up for our newsletter and follow @harlemriveryachtclub to catch new drops and limited releases.

🔻 What does “Commodore” mean?

The Commodore is the leader of the yacht club—on deck and in vision. Ohene wears the title with intention, steering HRYC into new waters of influence, inclusion, and innovation.

🔻 What kind of events do you throw?

From art shows at Port Authority to block parties and waterfront pop-ups, HRYC produces culture-forward experiences. We collaborate with schools, artists, and community orgs like Bronx Arts and Harmony Mood Media to bring creative, educational energy to Harlem’s edge.

🔻 Is HRYC just for Black people?

HRYC centers Black and brown communities—but anyone aligned with our mission of equity, creativity, and cultural reclamation is welcome aboard. If you respect the space and row with purpose, we’ve got a seat for you.

🔻 Can I join the club?

Yes. There’s no formal membership (yet), but you can join the movement through:

• Wearing the merch

• Attending events

• Supporting the mission
  Stay tuned for official membership tiers, perks, and in-person gatherings coming soon.

🔻 How does HRYC support the community?

We hire NYC artists, support Black-owned businesses, collaborate with schools, and activate underused public spaces for art and healing. Every playlist, hoodie, and event plants a seed for generational wealth and representation.

🔻 Why the water?

Because we were brought across it.
Because we were denied it.
Because healing lives in it.

Water is memory, movement, and medicine. HRYC brings us back to the banks—to rest, to resist, and to rise.