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Detroit Yacht Club: A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Community

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Belle Isle Park in the heart of Detroit, the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime history. Established in 1868, the DYC is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. Over the years, it has become an iconic symbol of elegance, camaraderie, and community. With its breathtaking views, historic architecture, and a deep-rooted passion for boating, the Detroit Yacht Club continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike.

The DYC boasts a magnificent clubhouse, an architectural gem that exudes timeless grandeur. Designed by renowned architect George D. Mason, the clubhouse showcases a unique blend of Georgian Revival and Colonial Revival styles. Its stately columns, intricate detailing, and sweeping verandas create an ambiance of refined sophistication. The clubhouse serves as a gathering place for members, offering a wide array of amenities including dining facilities, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a private marina for docking members’ yachts.

Beyond its remarkable architecture, the Detroit Yacht Club is renowned for its vibrant social scene and active boating community. Members share a passion for the open water, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship. The club organizes numerous regattas, sailing races, and boating events throughout the year, attracting sailors of all skill levels. Whether it’s competing in a race or simply cruising along the Detroit River, the DYC provides an unparalleled platform for boating enthusiasts to connect, learn, and indulge in their shared love for the water.

In addition to its boating and social activities, the Detroit Yacht Club plays a vital role in the local community. The club has a long-standing commitment to philanthropy, organizing various charitable events and fundraisers to support causes that benefit Detroit and its residents. From providing sailing opportunities to underprivileged youth to hosting educational programs on water safety, the DYC strives to make a positive impact beyond its membership. Moreover, the club has played a part in the revitalization of the Belle Isle Park, working closely with local authorities to preserve and enhance this cherished natural treasure.

As the Detroit Yacht Club enters its next century, it remains a beacon of elegance, unity, and maritime heritage. Its rich history, breathtaking clubhouse, and unwavering dedication to boating and community make it a true gem in Detroit’s cultural landscape. Whether one is an avid boater, a lover of history, or simply seeking a place to connect with like-minded individuals, the Detroit Yacht Club continues to offer an unparalleled experience. With its commitment to tradition and its eye towards the future, the DYC is poised to leave an indelible mark on the city’s landscape for generations to come.

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Every building in detroit has a story — we're here to share it, detroit yacht club - photos, detroit yacht club.

Detroit Boat Club as seen from Lakeside Dr.

Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org

Backside of the Detroit Yacht Club

Detroit Yacht Club history

Detroit yacht club company history timeline.

The current Clubhouse is fifth in series of structures dating back the DYC’s initial organization in 1868.

The club was founded by Detroit sailing enthusiasts in 1868.

A small clubhouse and sailing shed were built at the foot of McDougall Street, just south of Jefferson Avenue in the late 1870's.

In the early 1880's, dissension tore the Club apart concerning the expansion of the Club's social activities.

A faction formed the Michigan Yacht Club in 1882.

The first clubhouse was erected on Belle Isle in 1891 at a cost of $10,000, with an additional $2,000 spent on furnishings.

Beginning in 1921, the DYC started sponsoring the hydroplane races.

The painting of Gar Wood is from 1922 and was painted by Fred Rypsam.

A concrete bridge to Belle Isle opened in 1923, the same year our present $1,000,000 Clubhouse was dedicated.

In 1923, the present-day clubhouse was dedicated; its construction had cost more than one million dollars, the work of architect George D. Mason, who also designed the Detroit Masonic Temple (the world's largest) and the opulent Gem Theatre.

River Vista Bar: The River Vista Bar was originally an outside porch enclosed in 1925.

In 1932, Jane Caldwell, a DYC member, won the gold medal for the 100 meter breaststroke during the first Olympiad with a complete schedule of women’s swimming events.

By 1946 the Club became debt free and the women of the club formed the first women’s sailing organization in the country and raced the Club’s catboats.

In 1946, all bonds had been paid, and the club was debt-free.

The three arches were added in 1952 permitting a 35mm projection booth to shown current movie productions.

The tables were sold in 1960 and the room converted to a meeting room.

In 1962 the outdoor pool was installed and an addition was made to the ladies locker room on the end of the building.

When the current structure was built in 1985, it was named in his honor.

Clubhouse In 2011, the Detroit Yacht Club Foundation was established to support the preservation and restoration of the historic DYC clubhouse and facilitate educational opportunities that celebrate the historic nature of the Detroit Yacht Club.

As Belle Isle’s popularity waned in the late twentieth century, so did the DYC’s, leading to the creation of the non-profit Detroit Yacht Club Foundation in 2012.

In 2018, the Detroit Yacht Club celebrated its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.

Rate Detroit Yacht Club's efforts to communicate its history to employees.

Detroit Yacht Club jobs

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Detroit Yacht Club history FAQs

How old is detroit yacht club, when was detroit yacht club founded.

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Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Detroit Yacht Club, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Detroit Yacht Club. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Detroit Yacht Club. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Detroit Yacht Club. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Detroit Yacht Club and its employees or that of Zippia.

Detroit Yacht Club may also be known as or be related to DETROIT YACHT CLUB and Detroit Yacht Club.

Detroit Yacht Club

Established 1868.

Detroit Yacht Club opens 100-year-old time capsule

Detroit Yacht Club - History

The club was founded by Detroit sailing enthusiasts in 1868. The first Yacht Club buildings, a small clubhouse and boatshed, were constructed in the late 1870s at the foot of McDougall Street, just south of Jefferson Avenue. In the early 1880s, the members were divided over the club's growing social activities, and in 1882,one group broke away to form the Michigan Yacht Club. The remainder elected James Skiffington Commodore (the club's title equivalent to the "President" of other recreational and social organizations) in 1884.

The original Belle Isle clubhouse was built at a cost of $10,000 (with a further $2,000 for furnishings) in 1891, but burned down in 1904. A new facility was quickly built at the same site.

In 1923, the present-day clubhouse was dedicated; its construction had cost more than one million dollars, the work of architect George Mason, who also designed Detroit's Masonic Temple (the world's largest) and the opulent Gem Theatre. By the end of the following year membership had reached 3000. Prominent member and Commodore Gar Wood set world speed records in hydroplanes, and with his Gold Cup victories brought the club to national and even worldwide prominence. Beginning in 1921, the DYC started sponsoring the hydroplane races. Membership declined dramatically during the Great Depression, and some services were suspended.

In 1946, all bonds had been paid, and the club was debt-free. The club's women formed the first women's sailing organization in the country and raced the club's catboats. During the next decade, dining facilities would be expanded, and theater-quality projection equipment installed in the ballroom, where Sunday evening screenings became a regular feature of club life. There has recently been an effort to bring back Sunday night movies.

During the 1960s, an outdoor, Olympic-size swimming pool was added, and the West End docks were built, increasing the number of boat wells to over 350. The DYC has long been a symbol of privilege and exclusivity. Up until the 1970s, Black applicants were routinely rejected, until psychiatrist Dr. Leonard Ellison filed a lawsuit, and became the first Black member.

More recently, the club has added additional facilities like a fitness center and have opened the Bitter End lounge area to allow for women to enter. Before the restoration, the Bitter End could only be accessed through the men's locker room. The newly restored Bitter End is also used for hosting small parties.

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How much does it cost to join the Detroit yacht club?

Answered by Marvin Ayala

I used to be a member of the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), and I can share my personal experience regarding the cost of joining. The DYC offers different membership options, depending on whether you are a boating member or a non-boating social member.

For boating members, the cost is $390 per month. This fee covers the privilege of docking your boat at the club, but it does not include the annual cost of the boat slip. The annual cost of the boat slip varies depending on the size of your boat and the location of the slip within the marina. This additional cost can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year.

On the other hand, non-boating social members who are over the age of 35 pay a slightly lower fee of $365 per month. This membership type does not include the privilege of docking a boat at the club.

It is worth noting that these fees are subject to change, so it is always best to contact the Detroit Yacht Club directly for the most up-to-date information on membership costs.

Joining the Detroit Yacht Club as a boating member can cost $390 per month, plus the annual cost of the boat slip. Non-boating social members over the age of 35 pay a slightly lower fee of $365 per month.

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October 13 2012 | 10:00am to October 14 2012 | 11:55am

This tour is SOLD OUT.  For wait list information, please call 313.833.1801.

The historic Detroit Yacht Club was founded shortly after the Civil War in 1868 and has served as host to over 100 years of U.S. presidents, local statesmen, royalty and the Hollywood elite.  It has remained viable through the Great Depression, while serving five generations of members and families.  The health and vitality of the DYC is evident in the beautifully maintained 1920s Mediterranean-style villa that continues to be the largest yacht club in the United States.

Tickets are $30 for Detroit Historical Society members and $40 for guests.  Lunch is included.

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