venice yacht club reciprocity

At the Venice Yacht Club we embrace family, friendship and community above all. Founded in 1951, VYC has long been recognized as a traditional yacht club whose member privileges include boating, social activities and events, waterfront dining, and holiday celebrations for all ages, young to the young at heart.  Our partnership with 36 fellow private clubs in the Florida Council of Yacht clubs ( FCYC ) insures you can sail, dine and dance in style across our beautiful state. 

Introduction

The origin and growth of the Venice Yacht Club is a remarkable legacy for its members today. It is the story of extraordinary founding members, people with desires, visions, and dreams, coupled with perseverance and commitment to establish a place in a maritime tradition for like-minded people. The story embraces people who love the sea and the waters around Venice, who love sailing and boating and water sports, and people who appreciate and value enduring friendships of common interests and having fun together.

Melding Dreams to Reality to Success

Melding the dreams into reality, with a constant focus to members’ desires coupled with astute financial management are challenges, but they are the challenges that Venice Yacht Club has managed with excellence through all its years. Today the Venice Yacht Club enjoys an outstanding reputation in the Florida sailing and boating community of private clubs.

Story of the VYC by John Sammet

In the Beginning

Our history is closely tied to the development of Venice. Standing in Pearson’s Cove today, looking south, it is hard to envision that in 1950 all there was to see was sand and scrub pines, no intracoastal waterway existed then, and only minimal development underway. The south jetty today was then known as Casey’s Pass and was little more than an inlet to Roberts Bay. On the south side of the inlet was a Florida fishing camp, known as the Tarpon Center Resort. It was a relatively small place, with several docks in the inlet, a restaurant called “Happy Land” and a few rooms for overnight visiting fishing families. Tarpon were abundant in the waters in the Gulf, and thus people came annually to this place for tarpon fishing. And it was the local gathering place for friends and laughter after time on the water.

Land to the north of Casey’s Inlet and land to the south of what today is the Venice airport was owned by O. W. Casperson. Land in the majority of what is Venice today from Roberts Bay to the north and south to the southern boundary of today’s Venice airport, was owned by Robert Baynard, the land having been purchased from Dr. Albee’s estate in one transaction. Land along Tarpon Center Drive south to Venice Beach was primarily dunes and sand and was in large part owned by George Gibbs, Jr., the owner of the Tarpon Center Resort.

Chronological Timeline

In the series of following sections, identified by year or years, are highlights about this amazing legacy with a focus to the story of the Club’s beginning and the clubhouse and all its modifications and enhancements through the years. 

Early Fall:  Weary of the drive to and from Sarasota to sail, five Venice sailors and their spouses, later known as the “organizing group,” gathered at the Casey Key home of John & Mary Winslow in late summer. Conversation focused on establishing a boating club in Venice. Sept – Nov: Gathering at the restaurant of the Tarpon Center Resort, a fishing camp owned by George Gibbs, Jr. – where Jetty Villas are today:

• Conversation continued about creating a boating club in Venice.
• Organizing group led an informal survey of Venice residents to determine interest.
• Discussed possibility with George Gibbs, Jr. about using the resort as headquarters. Gibbs offered space on an “if and when” basis.
• Gibbs offered newly completed lounge of his restaurant.  Caveat: Dining room would continue to be open to the public.
• Final language agreed by organizing group for charter application to State of Florida.
• Charter application sent to Tallahassee.

February 9, 1951 Charter was granted by Florida’s State Department with the name of Venice Yacht Club

• Lease was signed with George Gibbs, Jr. for the lounge to be club’s headquarters.
• 25 members including the organizing group sent membership invitations to 150 in Venice.
• 25 initial members elect officers and set dues: $25/year + $5 tax.
• By mid November, 118 members were on the club’s first roster.
• Monthly business meetings occurred along with social events.
• Local merchants solicited to fund materials for building “prams” for youth boating.
• The Club advertised a new sailing opportunity for Venice area youth at no fee.
• Club’s burgee was designed and registered.
• First sailboat racing calendar is published for the members.
• First Commodore’s Ball held for Commodore John Winslow and his wife, Mary.
• A formal, gala affair, it has continued annually through the years in January.
• 40 area youngsters take swim test and practice capsizes at Venice Beach.
• Youth sailing begins in Roberts Bay with volunteer instructors of the new club.
• With only 8 sailboats, “prams,” youngsters take turns sailing in the bay weekly.
• Board meetings and meetings and social events continue monthly.
• Social events include monthly theme parties.

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• Club changes from semi private to private with a membership now of 135 and growing.
• VYC became a member of the Florida Ocean Racing Association.
• Monthly newsletter begins, “The Log.”
• Board of the club to begin seeking property for its own clubhouse and docks.
• Board establishes several committees for both boating and social activities as well as a finance and entertainment committee
• Youth sailing is organized into the Pram Fleet of the VYC
• Red Tide hit the Gulf coast again in 1954, and information about it was published to the membership of the club.
• “Prambulators,” a new ladies sailing group was begun led by Mrs. Sidney (Ginny) Schroeder
• Monthly board meetings and social events occur monthly as the property search continues.
• Membership continues to grow in the VYC.
• Club holds benefit dinner dance to raise funds to build more prams-youth sailing growing.
• Tarpon Center Resort owner, Gibbs, tells board he needs the space occupied by the club.
• Board and Gibbs agree on a 60-day cancellation clause in the club’s lease.
• Expansion committee formed to seek a site for the club, accelerating the property search.
• One site, south end of Casey Key was a good prospect, affording bay to the gulf property.
• Negotiations failed for that parcel with disagreement about the price and terms.
• Board of directors realizes VYC needed incremental funds to purchase land and build.
• VYC is under some financial stress with number of functions being supported monthly.
• The probability of a bank loan for the club to make the purchase was unlikely.
• The board agreed to develop a proposal for the membership regarding the funding needed.
• Board meetings and monthly social events continued with great attendance.
• Boating “rendezvous” to other clubs also become a monthly event.
• January 1959, Annual Meeting: Membership approved a $270,000 building program.
• Also authorized forming the Venice Yacht Realty Corporation. Charter required for it.
• The intent: a separate corporation for a property purchase and costs for the clubhouse.
• October: Purchased the Col. Vincent Dixon property on the east side of Tarpon Center Drive, but declined to purchase the Dixon property on the west side of the road.
• Part of the northern part of the property, owned by George Gibbs, was also purchased.
• Later the Club would sell part of the northern segment.
• The Charter for the new Venice Yacht Club Realty Corporation was received in April from the Securities and Exchange Commission of the sate of Florida.
• Highly unusual and a first in Florida at that time for a charter for a corporation to be funded privately, with funding predicated on the sale of debenture bonds.
• Final drawings of the clubhouse were completed, and construction of a new clubhouse on the former Dixon-Gibbs-owned property began in August 1960 in a major ground breaking ceremony with club officers and all members present.
• Funds for construction were raised by yacht club members’ subscriptions to Venice Yacht Club Realty Corporation debenture bonds and a bank mortgage on the land along with additional option monies provided by board members.
• Club’s monthly publication changed from “The Log” to “Currents.”
• VYC joined the St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s invitation to discuss forming a representative body to encourage the sport of yachting and encourage reciprocity among clubs.
• With membership at approximately 300, the new clubhouse was commissioned and opened in a major celebration of persistence with great success on March 4, 1961.
• The celebration included local dignitaries, and the Venice High School ban.
• The harbor filled with boats blowing whistles and sirens in celebration.
• Young skippers of the “Pram Fleet,” with colored sails unfurled, tacked back and forth in the bay, greeting arriving, visiting watercraft.
• The American flag was raised on the gaff of the new flagpole, a gift from the board of directors’ members, joining the club’s burgee on the masthead with signal flags flying from the halyard and club officers’ flags at the yardarm.
• Kentucky Military Institute cadets fired gun salutes, and the club’s miniature cannon fired a shot in a grand celebration of accomplishment and commitment by all members of the club.
• In July VYC became one of the 13 founding clubs of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.
• Boating “rendezvous” with other yacht clubs began under reciprocity agreement of FCYC.
• The Fort Myers Yacht Club’s boaters were the first to “rendezvous” here in December.
• VYC is re-incorporated as a private club with revised By Laws.
• Not resting or satisfied with the VYC clubhouse, the VYC added a swimming pool and an outside veranda on the east side of the clubhouse, an outdoor snack bar, dressing rooms for visiting boaters, added storage space, and a dock master’s office was constructed.
• The VYC also began sponsorship of “Windjammers,” a junior and senior high school student sailing group, providing its VYC members as instructors with no fee as the “Pram Fleet” continued. Both Windjammers and Pram Fleet were open to all youth in Venice.
• Costs of sponsoring the youth sailing groups are growing.
• Tuitions of 25 cents per sailor for the school year began in the late 1960s.
• The original Prams had to be replaced and were with funds provided by local merchants.
• Social activities continued with monthly theme parties.
• Flag “etiquette” and protocols are established for the VYC for Retreat Ceremonies.
• Board of Directors agreed the VYC must adhere to new 1961 IRS guidelines for non-member functions and as well the IRS new guidelines for exemption applications and approvals.
• VYC passes and publicizes its Resolution against Drilling for Oil in the Gulf.
• VYC member William T. Pearson provided a gift of $25,000 to build an addition to the south side of the clubhouse.
• Later Mr. Pearson added an additional $7,000 to his original gift due to funding shortfall for the addition to the clubhouse.
• Earlier, he had donated the funds for new carpeting in the clubhouse.
• Accompanying his gift was a simple request: that “He has a place to enjoy his cigars and read his newspaper.”
• Accommodating Mr. Pearson’s request: The new room was available only to men until 2 pm during weekdays, but open to all members afterward.
• With construction completed, the room was dedicated on December 19, 1967 and simultaneously named Pearson’s Cove by the board of directors.
• A major event occurs: VYC receives the title to the land, the building and all facilities with all financial obligations (debt) having been met in full in such a short number of years.
• Plaque authorized by the Board of Directors honoring William T. Pearson.
• VYC continues to grow in memberships.
• Delinquent account letters are initiated, authorized by the board of directors.
• VYC agrees to for reciprocal agreements of the FCYC with member clubs.
• Employee job descriptions are initiated for the first time.
• Given increasing costs, including increasing insurance requirements and costs the VYC did not think it could continue to underwrite entirely the youth sailing programs
• The “Pram Fleet” was incorporated, separate from the VYC, as the Venice Youth Boating Assn., Inc. with a separate board of directors of 5 VYC members.
• Articles of Incorporation were approved by the state along with ByLaws
• VYC members continued the sailing instruction, open to all youth of greater Venice.
• Older, experienced young sailors assisted in the sailing lessons coaches and instructors along with some high school VYBA sailors as coaches on the water.
• New fuel tanks are installed at the dock replacing the original ones.
• Bingo games began weekly, adding to the club’s social calendar.
• VYC initiates advanced swimming and life saving classes with US Red Cross-certified and US Sailing Assn.-qualified VYC members as volunteers instructors.
• Bingo on Tuesday evenings at the VYC became a social highlight of the week with women in long dresses and men, always in coats and ties.
• A change in Florida law required private clubs hosting Bingo games, viewed as gambling in private clubs, to donate 10% of the proceeds to a charitable organizatio
• The VYC immediately directed 10% of Bingo proceeds to help support the VYBA.
• Annual minimum charge for dining began.
• Tables at varying heights were corrected to improve appearance in the main dining room.
• Chairs with casters were deemed appropriate for its members’ convenience.
• “Chargers” or service plates were designed by a VYC board member:      o The gold rimmed, blue border plates, with a white center and burgee in the middle.
• Simultaneously, the Venice Youth Boating Association, Inc. was designated by the IRS in March, as a 501(c)(3) organization, now legally able to receive donations.
• 10% of weekly Bingo proceeds were directed to the VYBA
• Kitchen revamping plan was presented and executed by VYC House Committee members.
• Reincorporation again was required because between 1962 and 1971, both charter and by laws revisions had been made without notifying the state of Florida
• In 1976 the outside veranda was enclosed with jalousie windows and air conditioned, creating more needed dining space and was named the Veranda Room.
• Five VYC members organized the Venice Women’s Sailing Squadron that was to be open to non club members and would be informally called the “Bitter Ends,” sailing in VYBA prams.
• Swimming pool is rebuilt and enlarged, and deck on the south side of the pool is enlarged.
• Dock rental agreements for slips are revised and strengthened.
• VYC’s insurance was upgraded and expanded significantly.
• The board of directors authorized a new employee orientation manual.
• The former, enclosed veranda was enlarged, floor to ceiling solar windows were added, and formerly the Veranda Room, it was re-named the “Bay Room.”
• John and Pearl Conard provided a $25,000 check directly to the VYBA for it to construct a building on the south side of the VYC property to house the “Pram Fleet.”
• A sailboat was donated to VYBA and sold to add to the building fund. The Conards added some additional funding shortly thereafter, based on final cost estimates for the building.
• The building, designed by member, Mort Levine. It was completed entirely by funds from VYBA with concurrence and support from the VYC board of directors and dedicated in November 1982. A plaque commemorating the Conards was placed at the southeast corner.
• Originally planned for the sole use of VYBA, the VYC needed storage and office space and VYC and VYBA agreed that VYC would occupy the second floor and VYBA the first floor.
• Non-resident membership rules are implemented.
• An addition called the “Ward Room” and adjoining small out door deck were added east of Pearson’s Cove.
• The dining room was enlarged at the north end, and the skipper’s “Ready Room” was created on the north-east side of the dining room.
• Membership rules for widows are implemented enabling widows to remain members as single members at a single member monthly dues rate.
• Survey of membership was initiated for long range planning to address future needs.
• A major dock expansion proposal was approved by the membership.
• Dock expansion proposal was presented to the Venice Board of Zoning Appeals by year-end and circulated to various other agencies and the county government.
• VYC begins its own chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel, a worldwide organization of past commodores of yacht clubs.
• Hurricane preparedness plan is initiated for the first time.
• VYC began “sundowner cruises” to benefit the South County’s American Cancer Society.
• A wooden deck and outside a small Tiki Bar was constructed outside by the pool.
• A new, larger dock master’s building was constructed.
• Parking lot was resurfaced with new parking lanes, expanding capacity of the parking lot.
• Increased docking is proposed and reviewed with various agencies, as required.
• Dock expansion denied by City of Venice. There were submerged land lease questions and issues from other involved agencies. So the VYC was forced back to the drawing board.
• VYC purchased 11 boat slips plus the rental apartment building from Kermit Paxton, on the south side of Higel Park.
• VYC names the apartment building, Fleets Inn, with members having priority in renting apartments for visiting families or friends.
• VYC celebrates its 35th anniversary of its founding.
• Monthly board meetings continue, as did monthly social events in high gear.
• Continuing to grow, the membership in the club has grown to almost 800.
• Summer memberships initiated.
• Annual fishing tournament begins.
• First Venice Christmas Boat parade begins with VYC boaters as the major initiators and participants, 1989.
• Mortgage burning celebration occurs. (Mortgage on original clubhouse construction.)
• $900 annual minimum for food and beverage charges instituted.
• VYBA changed, as a requirement of U S Sailing, from volunteer to paid instructors who were US Sailing-certified and also holding Red Cross Life Saving certificates.
• VYC celebrates its 40th anniversary.
• Space constraints were beginning to create challenges for the VYC, and the board had begun considering how to accommodate the larger membership for meals and monthly events.
• Docking committee continues to work on dock expansion applications and appeals.
• P/C George Goodwin funds front wall along Tarpon Center Drive and port cochere at the clubhouse entrance, and board of directors authorizes a plaque in memory of Goodwin’s wife, Ellan Goodwin, at to the right of the exit from the club parking lot where it is today.
• New awning was placed over the pool deck walkway between the clubhouse and the Tiki that also was enlarged again.
• Challenges regarding constrained space heightened, and the board of directors began considering in earnest an expansion of the clubhouse to meet members’ expectations.
• A member survey was initiated by the board of directors for feedback on clubhouse expansion under consideration to gain a deeper understanding of members’ desires.
• By year-end 1995, with the feedback from the membership, and suggestions from architects, coupled with visits to other yacht clubs, the board had agreed to a plan for expansion that would require a vote of the membership.
• VYC had a potential opportunity to acquire Higel Park and had general support of the membership. The final decision to sell the park was rejected by the city of Venice.
• Friday nights became “the night” to be at the VYC, and “Steak Nights” were begun that later would become “Galley Night.”
• Burgeoning at its seams, the VYC membership approved the plan for a complete renovation of the entire clubhouse, to cost $1.2 million, knowing it would take about a year.
• From the closing date in September through the completion of the new clubhouse, the VYC continued food and beverage service by a tent erected on the VYC property. Fuel dock also remained open. This was an amazing accomplishment designed to keep the club’s employees working and to retain members during the major construction project.
• Women’s Sailing Squadron “Bitter Ends,” celebrates its 20th anniversary.
• On November 1, 1997 the significantly expanded clubhouse opened with the new 2nd floor addition, the Sunset Room, an adjacent conference room, two restrooms upstairs, two elevators, one in the front entrance hall, and one in the kitchen to provide food service to the new Sunset Room overlooking Roberts Bay and the docks.
• An expanded burgee store opened.
• With a new bar upstairs in the Sunset dining room and the newly expanded main bar downstairs, adjacent to Pearson’s Cove, food and beverage services at the VYC were increased significantly. More space was available for multiple, simultaneous events at the VYC.
• Proposal was presented by the board of directors to make VYC a non-smoking club.
• Approved by the membership, smoking was limited to the outside of the clubhouse.
• VYC establishes a website, accessible by the public, and a members only section.
• Celebration of the VYC’s 50th anniversary occurred.
• VYC board of directors holds a fund raising and social event including raffles for a new sound system, a new dance floor in the main dining room, and another Tiki Bar expansion.
• First woman in VYC’s history is elected Commodore who later became Commodore of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.
• Plans for expanding the VYC docks fails to receive approval again. Undaunted, the VYC used the wisdom of mariners, and VYC changed courses in pursuit of expanded docks in the future for members and visiting guests.
• Effects of the beginning of an economic downturn in Florida were starting to be experienced at the VYC in reduced number of meals service and some members resigned due to economic circumstances.
• VYC was flourishing though finances were being impacted by the downturn.
• Simultaneously the docks adjacent to the immediate south of Fleets Inn went on the market, and VYC seriously considered acquiring them, giving VYC the docks all along Tarpon Center Drive. However, borrowing the funds for the purchase had become a consideration, but bank appraisals of the property were lower than the asking price. The seller would not amend the asking price.
• VYC declined to proceed further with that purchase.
• VYC’s marine is designated a “Florida Clean Marina” by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, being only the 5th marina in Sarasota County to be so designated. The year=long effort had been undertaken by the Dockmaster and the VYC’s general manager.
• A major dock expansion was approved in a standing room only crowd at a meeting of the Sarasota County Commission, following a massive engineering and design effort involving numerous VYC marina committee members and the board of directors. Construction of the new C Dock, ending in a major T at the east terminus began shortly there after and was completed in 2011.
• Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation is established, now only the second club member of the FCYC to have a charitable foundation.
• Logo is established for the new charitable foundation along with a foundation committee inviting VYC members to contribute to insure success of the goal of giving back to our community with grant priorities: youth boating, health and education, veterans and active military, the environment, and civic improvement.
• C dock is completed and officially opened.
• Initial grants are provided of $50,248.
• The outside Tiki bar’s food and beverage business was the highest growth area in food and beverage sales at the VYC. That called for expansion of the Tiki and resulted in a major reconstruction and expansion to accommodate the ever-growing desire of the VYC’s membership for outdoor ambience and food and beverage service at the Tiki and all along the pool deck. New tables, chairs, and bar chairs were purchased.
• Grants provided from the VYCCF were $29,915.
• Equipment was purchased to replace old kitchen equipment to enhance the food service capability of the Club’s kitchen, especially needed due to the increase in the number of meals being served outside at the Tiki.
• Dining menus were expanded.
• Redecorating both the downstairs and upstairs of the clubhouse was completed.
• Pavers were installed for the entire pool deck and dining area outside.
• New outdoor chairs and tables were purchased increasing the seating capacity outside all around the pool.
• The swimming pool’s interior surface was renewed.
• Grants provided from the VYCCF grew to $76,808
• On New Year’s Day, the VYC’s general manager was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. A large crowd attended a Celebration of Life for him in the clubhouse that included many of his motorcycle friends.
• By April the search committee, led by the Commodore, had selected a new general manager.
• Wi-Fi extended throughout the clubhouse and docks.
• Security cameras installed around the clubhouse with plans to include dock coverage.
• Major construction required for A Dock: seawall rebuilding
• New, portable dance floor purchased for main dining room.
• New sound system with separate capabilities for various areas in the Club.
• Wi-Fi capability enhanced again.
• Major project for A Dock: Widened slips and installed lifts resulting in all slips rented
• Significant repair required to seawall adjacent to fuel dock to rebuild the seawall and insure fuel tank security and safety to prevent possibility of forward fuel leakage
• Major construction occurred once again in the VYC’s clubhouse.
• Pearson’s Cove was expanded to enable more casual dining inside the clubhouse.
• New chairs and tables were purchased for “the Cove.”
• Main dining room carpeting, window treatments, and chandeliers were replaced.
• Movable glass wall of doors separates “the Cove” from reception desk new sitting area.
• Burgees from many visiting yacht clubs and VYC’s members’ former clubs re-installed in the main bar.
• Commodore’s Room, with a glass wall of doors was created at north end in dining room to enable small dinner parties and meetings.
• When the doors are opened for major clubhouse events, the Commodore’s Room becomes an expanded part of the main dining room.
• Incremental storage was made available in the expansion of Pearson’s Cove along with a complete renovation of the reception desk and a separate storage closet.
• Entrance hall floor completely replaced with attractive tile.
• Plantation shutters installed, enhance the up to date, tropical appearance.
• The VYBA completely revamped the boatyard by installing new boat racks all at its own expense to increase the boat storage capability and added an attractive wall at the south end of VYC property, all funded entirely by the VYBA.
• VYBA completely renovated the interior of the first floor of the Pram Shed, all at its own expense.
• The “Commodore’s Wall” of portraits was moved from the first floor to the second floor, complete with a new tradition of a portrait of the board members to be continued annually.
• VYCCF grants total $111,60.
• The Sunset Room is refurbished with new carpeting, matching the carpeting on the first floor and up the stairway. Sunset Room’s window treatments were enhanced.
• New trophy case at the north end of the Sunset Room was installed.
• Downstairs mens’ and ladies’ restrooms were completely renovated.
• New artwork was installed all around the first floor.
• Driveway completely resurfaced with new parking space lines.
• Tiki renovation:  bar equipment replaced, second computer added for servers, and new, concrete bar top installed
• Major air conditioning units replaced on Clubhouse
• Recoated port cochere entrance surface with long-lasting coating
• Replaced entire wooden walkway outside, all around the main bar
• Entire asphalt parking lot was patched and re-sealed
• VYC introduced a new staff position: Member Relations Manager
• VYC’s “story” accepted and posted at National Sailing Hall of Fame
• Two new boat lifts installed on D Dock
• Pizza oven installed in kitchen
• New website established for VYC enabling online reservations
• “Currents” printing moved to Venice Print Center where it is printed electronically, enhanced photo quality, now each issue is 28 pages vs. 24, has new square binding, and mailing addresses printed
• New truck purchased to replace the old van
• Major oven replaced in kitchen
• Computer replacements required were installed
• Long Range Planning Committee set new mission and objectives with plans for a members’ survey and focus groups in 2021
• Added 3 more boat lifts to D Dock
• Roll doors replaced at Pram Shed
• VYC Sailing Task Force established to create new sailing initiatives

2021  

• Member Satisfaction Survey Results Published
• Long Range Planning Committee announced the new VYC Strategic Plan
• Bayside Bar (Main Bar) completely renovated, including bar top and all appliances
• First Project of the VYC Strategi Plan Identified:  Replace kitchen and Clubhouse roof
• Fuel tanks and pumps replaced at fueling station
• Additional boat lifts installed on D Dock
• Channel dredged along A and B Docks
• Build Committee for Project # 1 established
• Membership Approval Process Revamped
• Bylaws Studies continued through the entire year
• City of Venice issued Proclamation:  Venice Yacht Club Day
• 70 th Anniversary gala party delayed from February to November (due to Covid)
• Major exhibit of our past in one case and another in a 2 nd case in Venice Library entrance for the month of November, 2021
• VYC 70 years of history documented by VYC Historian in the first book published about our history, “Past, Present, and Future.”

  2022  

• Bylaws revisions are presented in Membership Meeting.
• Bylaws are approved by Membership by membership-wide voting.
• Full study of Rules and Regulars gets underway to bring consistency with Bylaws.
• First project of VYC Strategic Plan: implementation is slated for July 1 – December 31.
• Build Committee & Commodore conduct Membership Meeting to communicate the status and the construction plan, the largest project ever undertaken by the VYC
• Build Committee & Commodore initiate $2 million loan with Bank of America, the largest loan for a ten-year term ever taken from a financial institution by our Club.
• VYC will remain open through the entire construction period.
• Temporary kitchen to be installed in front of Clubhouse during construction.
• Food / beverages to be served in the Bayside and Cove dining rooms, Bayside Bar, and Tiki throughout the construction period.
• VYC Membership capped at 750 members with a waiting list implemented.
• Summer Memberships eliminated for summer 2022 due to construction.
• House committee refurnished the outside stairway.
• House Committee refurbished the Flagpole and Compass Rose beautifully.
• East exterior, Clubhouse window frames and railings beside doors are refurbished.
• By year-end the roof replacement was completed.
• By year-end the kitchen renovation was almost completed, and the Commodore hosted an early “peek” at the new kitchen on December 29 th .  Final steps in the kitchen renovation project are expected at the end of January 2023.

Club Information

Venice Yacht Club

Latitude:  27° 6' 30" ~  Longitude:  -82° 27' 43"

Arrival by Sea

Radio Contact:  Channel 16 is monitored. Identification:  We ask all visitors to identify themselves by presenting their Club membership card to the receptionist at the office, at the main entrance, or to the dock master if by boat. Reciprocity:  Full reciprocity to all FCYC members.

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Arrival by Car

From I-75 southbound exit #200, Nokomis, this will take you to US-41. Go south on US-41 to Business 41, turn west onto Business US-41. Cross over ICW bridge, turn right at second traffic light - Venice Ave. 

Continue on Venice Avenue to the beach, turn right onto The Esplanade. After about 1/2 mile, turn left on to Tarpon Center Drive, continue on Tarpon Center Drive about a 1/4 mile the Club is on your right.

From I-75 northbound, exit at #193, Venice / Englewood . Head west on Venice Ave. and follow instructions above. From US-41 north or south at Venice Avenue turn west and follow directions above. Radio Contact:  Channel 16 is monitored. Identification:  We ask all visitors to identify themselves by presenting their Club membership card to the receptionist at the office, at the main entrance, or to the dock master if by boat. Reciprocity:  Full reciprocity to all FCYC members.

Venice Yacht Club Hours of Operation

Main Dining Room and Sunset Room: Tuesday to Saturday Lunch:  Shorts Permitted 1 Tuesday to Friday Dinner:  Shorts Permitted Saturday Dinner:  Casual 2  required, Shorts are Not Permitted Sunday: Breakfast / Brunch and Dinner:  Casual required, Shorts are Not Permitted Main Bar and Pearson's Cove: (all day) Tuesday to Sunday:  Shorts Permitted Tiki Bar: (all day) Tuesday to Sunday:  Bathing attire 3  Permitted 1  Shorts Permitted:  Gentlemen wear dressy slacks or shorts, collared shirt, turtleneck or dressy collarless shirt with sleeves (no tank tops); Ladies wear skirts, dressy slacks or dressy shorts and tops. For Gentlemen and Ladies, no tee shirts, and no flip-flops, torn or cutoff clothing or inappropriate tee shirts. Upscale denim is allowed. Gentlemen’s hats and caps are not to be worn in the Club at any time. 2  Casual:  Gentlemen wear dressy slacks, collared shirt, turtleneck or dressy collarless shirt with sleeves (no tank tops); Ladies wear skirts, dressy slacks and tops. For Gentlemen and Ladies, no jeans, no shorts, no tee shirts and no flip-flops. Upscale denim is allowed. Gentlemen’s hats and caps are not to be worn in the Club at any time. 3  Bathing Attire:  Bathing suits and bathing attire are allowed outside at the Tiki bar and in the Ready Room only. Bathing suits, bathing attire, Gentlemen’s hats or caps and tank tops are not to be worn in the Club at any time.

Vince Pelliccia

Terri griffith, vice commodore, rear commodore, bruce furman, ccm, general manager, doug laudenslager, clubhouse manager, executive chef, member relations manager, samantha winkle, event coordinator, jeff towers.

Monday - Sunday 8a - 5p

Executive Sous Chef

Chris romecki, chief accountant.

Venice_Yacht_Club

Venice Yacht Club

Place Categories: Auto & Boat and Golf & Recreation

Founded in 1951, today the Venice Yacht Club enjoys an outstanding reputation in the Florida sailing and boating community of private clubs. We aspire, with the help of our members and team, to create a premier waterfront club providing responsible boating, gracious dining and positive social experiences. The Venice Yacht Club Marina is a State of Florida recognized Clean Marina. This recently expanded private facility has 68 member slips as well as a large T-dock to accommodate visiting Florida Council of Yacht Clubs boaters. Our state-of-the-art docks are complete with connections for potable water and pump out, as well as up to 100 amp electrical service. Amenities include a security system, a fire extinguishing system, and a fuel dock. Our members enjoy discounted gas and diesel fuels and full time dockmaster services. The Club’s docks are in a protected area just inside the Venice Inlet. For more information visit www.veniceyachtclub.com

PLEASE NOTE: For dining at the Club, membership is required.

MEMBERSHIP Several membership options are available to suit differing circumstances. We look forward to providing you and your family more information on how you can become a member of our growing family. Fine and casual dining on Roberts Bay, the Venice Yacht Club consistently offers members and their guests a memorable dining experience. Whether in our elegant dining room, comfortable Pearson’s Cove or at the Tiki Bar overlooking our Marina and Roberts Bay, our Executive Chef Josh Arent, and his culinary team provide exceptional cuisine that will be enjoyed by all.

The VYC is also home to the Venice Youth Boating Association (VYBA).

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• 1330 Tarpon Center Drive Venice Florida 34285 United States
• 941-488-7708

About the FCYC

The Florida Council of Yacht Clubs is an organization made up of 36 yacht clubs located around the state from the panhandle to the Keys.

More Clubs, More Choices… Welcome to Council Life!

We invite you to experience for yourself the convenience, variety and fun that make FCYC membership so special.

On behalf of all of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, we look forward to the pleasure of serving you.

*Some member clubs have placed a limitation on reciprocal usage by nearby clubs. Enforcement of these limitations (when adopted by a club) is the responsibility of the individual club, not the Council.

FCYC Representation

Member clubs in the Council represent a population of approximately 37,300 club members who have aided in bringing many legislative matters favorable to the boating public to a successful conclusion. To assist the Council in monitoring boating-related legislation, the Council retains a legislative representative in Tallahassee.

Established in 1960, the FCYC is a respected force recognized as a potent organization of dedicated yachtsmen.

The Council is an active member of water oriented organizations such as the National Boating Federation. Close liaison is maintained with the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and the Corp of Engineers district office in Jacksonville.

Our Member Clubs sponsor cruises on members’ boats to destinations along the East and Gulf Coasts of Florida and the Bahamas. The Council has also sponsored professionally organized, large ship cruises to unique locations in Europe, South America, through the Panama Canal, and many other destinations.

2024 FCYC Officers

Commodore Ray Williams

Lauderdale Yacht Club

Vice Commodore Chris Jones

Davis Island Yacht Club

Rear Commodore Kitch Keitchen

Venice Yacht Club

Secretary Bobby Smith

Bradenton Yacht Club

Treasurer Chuck Goes

St Petersburg Yacht Club

Immediate Past Commodore Joey Sowell

Eau Gallie Yacht Club

2024 FCYC Standing Committees

Government affairs.

Kitch Keitchen, Venice YC

Fleet Captain- West

Peter Lackman, Tampa Y&CC

Fleet Captain- East

Joe Elam, Smyrna YC

Communication & Website

Carl Schultz, St. Charles YC

Coast Guard Liaison East

Stephen Kiss, Harbor Ridge YC

Coast Guard Liaison West

Ken Gummels, St. Andrews Bay YC

Land Yacht Fleet Captain

Bobby Smith, Bradenton YC

Club Profiles

News letter.

Tom Reynolds, Ft Walton YC

Membership West

Membership east.

Anita Clark, Lake Beresford YC

Parliamentarian

Tom Septembre, Coral Reef YC

Wayne Stewart, Halifax River YC

Historian & Publications

Chip Hardy, Tampa Y&CC

Past Commodores

• Honorary Life Commodore: *Thomas Downs, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1960 & 61: *G. William Spicklemire, Pass-A-Grille Yacht Club
• 1962: *Herman Eberts, Bradenton & Eau Gallie Yacht Clubs
• 1963: *Bruff W. Olin, The Field Club
• 1964: *D. L. Alexander Vance, Bird Key Yacht Club
• 1965: *Charles E. Taft, The Field Club
• 1966: *Col. Peter F. Wormwood, Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 1967: *Vernon L. Mason, The Field Club
• 1968: *E. L. Jones, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1969: *Marion Hendry, Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 1970: *Robert R. Spaulding, Venice Yacht Club
• 1971: *Alfred R. Cooper, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1972: *Hugo R. Greisen, Bradenton Yacht Club
• 1793: *Richard M. Starns, Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 1974: *Bruce W. Watters, Jr., St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1975: *Irving D. Snyder, Bird Key Yacht Club
• 1976: *Fred C. White, Coral Ridge Yacht Club
• 1977: *Hugh L. Brown, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1978: *Dr. Paul Minthorn, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1979: Donald F. Sink (Virginia), Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 1980: *James D. Russell, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club
• 1981: *Eugene B. Bibbins, Venice Yacht Club
• 1982: *Spencer S. Scheideman, Clearwater Yacht Club
• 1983: *Gen. John w. Richardson, Bird Key Yacht Club
• 1984: *Harry G. Hilliard, Isles Yacht Club
• 1985: *E. W. (Ted) Scantlebury, Halifax River Yacht Club
• 1986: *Dr. Ralph Stephan, Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 1987: *Lewis M. Crowe, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 1988: *C. Franklin Lott, Jr., Royal Palm Yacht Club
• 1989: *John J. Davis, Coral Reef Yacht Club
• 1990: Harold G. Riley, Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club
• 1991: *Robert L. Hartford, The Field Club
• 1992: *Frank W. (Skip) Alllcorn, III, The Florida Yacht Club
• 1993: *Norman E. Jacobson, Sarasota Yacht Club
• 1994: *John Chalbeck, Marathon Yacht Club
• 1995: *Roland M. Larsen, Royal Palm Yacht Club
• 1996: *Larry Bottiger, Eau Gallie Yacht Club
• 1997: *Jules E. Scheffer, Clearwater Yacht Club
• 1998: *Richard A. (Dick) Groat, Pass-A-Grille Yacht Club
• 1999: *Tor Kolflat, Naples Sailing and Yacht Club
• 2000: *Glenn R. Yeakey, Naples Yacht Club
• 2001: *Charles T. Eldredge, Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 2002: *John G. (Jack) Schantini (Sandee), Smyrna Yacht Club
• 2003: *J. Robert Benson, M.D., The Florida Yacht Club
• 2004: Ron Broadway (Debi), Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club
• 2005: George E.W. (Chip) Hardy, IV (Betty), Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 2006: Bruce Hess (Carol), Eau Gallie Yacht Club
• 2007: *Marvin W. Stucky, Sarasota Yacht Club
• 2008: *Arthur J. Ferguson, The Field Club
• 2009: Donald Bogue (Ginny), St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• 2010: Donald W. Stanley, Jr. (Cheryl), Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 2011: *Dentis McDaniel, Eau Gallie Yacht Club
• 2012: Harry Perlet (Leslie), Sarasota Yacht Club
• 2013: Raymond Starsman (Marsha), Isles Yacht Club
• 2014: Gary Riss (Marsha), Marco Island Yacht Club
• 2015: *Tom Smith, Isles Yacht Club
• 2016: *Jack Burwell, Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club
• 2017: Audrey Rice (Bob Young), Venice Yacht Club
• 2018: George O.Malley (Linda), Moorings Yacht and Country Club
• 2019: Jon Williams (Edy), Eau Gallie Yacht Club
• 2020: Bob Peterson (Cate), Isles YC
• 2021: Bert Ralston (Sandy) , Florida Yacht Club
• 2022: John Timmel (Marguerite), Tampa Yacht and Country Club
• 2023: Joey Sowell (Pamela), Eau Gallie Yacht Club

*  indicates deceased

History of the FCYC

In August, 1960, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club invited representatives from the leading West Coast Yacht Clubs to a meeting to discuss forming a representative body to encourage the sport of yachting and general club activities, to promote safety afloat, to encourage reciprocity between qualified yacht clubs, and to promote beneficial legislation.

Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State on July 26, 1961.

Charter Clubs in 1961

The thirteen charter clubs were:

• Bird Key Yacht Club, Sarasota
• Bradenton Yacht Club, Bradenton
• Clearwater Yacht Club, Clearwater
• Davis Island Yacht Club, Tampa
• The Field Club, Sarasota
• Naples Yacht Club, Naples
• Pass-A-Grille Yacht Club, St. Petersburg Beach
• Royal Palm Yacht Club, Fort Myers
• St. Petersburg Yacht Club, St. Petersburg
• Sarasota Yacht Club, Sarasota
• Tampa Yacht & Country Club, Tampa
• Tarpon Springs Yacht Club, Tarpon Springs
• Venice Yacht Club, Venice

Clubs joining after 1961

The following clubs were admitted later, listed in order of the dates they became members:

• August 1968 Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Ft. Lauderdale
• July 1971 Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, Naples
• September 1973 Halifax River Yacht Club, Daytona Beach
• March 1975 Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, Port Charlotte
• July 1976 Carlouel Yacht Club, Clearwater
• November 1976 Isles Yacht Club, Punta Gorda
• July 1977 Smyrna Yacht Club, New Smyrna Beach
• September 1978 Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton
• September 1979 Lauderdale Yacht Club, Ft. Lauderdale
• March 1981 Coral Reef Yacht Club, Miami
• March 1981 Lake Beresford Yacht Club, DeLand
• January 1982 Eau Gallie Yacht Club, Indian Harbor Beach
• September 1983 Marathon Yacht Club, Marathon
• January 1984 The Florida Yacht Club, Jacksonville
• July 1984 Vero Beach Yacht Club, Vero Beach
• January 1985 Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Key Biscayne
• July 1986 St. Augustine Yacht Club, St. Augustine
• November 1987 Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club, Treasure Island
• September 1988 Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola
• September 1994 Captiva Island Yacht Club, Captiva Island
• March 1994 Isla Del Sol Yacht Club, St. Petersburg
• September 1996 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Fort Walton Beach
• November 1998 St. Charles Yacht Club, Ft. Myers
• January 2001 The Moorings Yacht & Country Club, Vero Beach
• September 2003 Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City
• January 2004 St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City
• March 2005 Marco Island Yacht Club, Marco Island
• November 2012 Pelican Isle Yacht Club, Naples
• March 2022 Oyster Bay Yacht Club, Fernandina Beach

Prior Member Clubs

The following clubs admitted as members of the Council, are no longer member clubs:

• 1998 Isla Del Sol Yacht Club, St. Petersburg
• 2003 St. Augustine Yacht Club, St. Augustine
• November 2008 Pass-A-Grille Yacht Club, St. Petersburg Beach
• (merged with St. Petersburg YC)
• 2009 Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club, Treasure Island
• 2014 Royal Palm Yacht Club, Ft. Myers
• 2024 Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton

Snag-A-Slip Booking

Venice Yacht Club

+1 (941) 483-3625

[email protected]

http://veniceyachtclub.com

Monday - Sunday 8a - 5p

Monitored: 16

Venice, FL | N 27° 06.550' / W 082° 27.650'

1330 Tarpon Center Drive

Venice, FL 34285

Mile Marker

Miles Wheeler

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Contact Request

Your request has been sent to the dockmaster at Venice Yacht Club

Last Marina Login : 01/15/19

Full reciprocity to all FCYC members

Call ahead to confirm as prices are always subject to change

Diesel Price

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Yacht Club of America – Reciprocal Privileges

The Process of Reciprocity:

Yacht Club Reciprocity is defined as “A network of Yacht Clubs in agreement for the mutual exchange of privileges within that specific group of clubs.” The Yachting Club of America has reciprocal privilege agreements with nearly 800 Yacht Clubs throughout the United States.

Although the extent of privileges may vary slightly, generally, an YCA yachtsman can expect to be allowed to use all of the welcoming clubs’ available facilities and services, including short term berthing, meal and bar service, heads and showers, etc.

Typically, a yachtsman can stop at a Yacht Club along his trip, and if the club visited is a YCA member, they are granted access.

All member clubs generally grant access to the bar and restaurant area as well as short term berthing, heads and showers, but depending on the club size and stature, various reciprocal rights are granted depending on the club's policy.

It is always prudent to call ahead to let them know you’re coming as well as to determine what services are available.

VIEW ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ALL CLUBS WITH RECIPROCITY

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Reciprocal Yacht Clubs - Is it worth it?

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Membership in a particular yacht club can certainly be beneficial in many ways. But for cruisers who are gone more than they are near their home club, is reciprocity really worth the membership fees associated with the home club?  

It depends upon your particular club's policies. We've belonged to our "home" yacht club since the late 1970's but have been "away" since the mid-80's. Our membership fees have been only $50 per year sine we've been away. Another club to which we belonged for several years had a policy of a "Cruiser's Leave" whereby if one was away from the Club (=>100 miles) for at least 4 months or more, one's fees were much reduced during one's absence. Then there's our local Club which makes no such accommodation and as a consequence has lost many members that really added to the Club in the long run. So, your call...  

What are you looking for in reciprocity? There are plenty of public marinas. Are you hoping for access to the exclusive marinas? If so, it may be helpful, but not all yacht clubs provide reciprocity across the spectrum. Secondly, the rules usually require someone from the home club to call ahead for you. However, if you're personable, you can often get transient space on your own. Once there, you may feel like the center of attention, because you sort of talked your way in. More likely, you'll feel like you don't belong, as everyone knows each other but you. The restaurant or bar can be difficult to navigate, as most don't take cash/plastic and you don't have a member account to charge. You'll most often pay a transient fee too, so it's probably not much of a money savings plan. So, back to the initial question. What are you looking for in reciprocity?  

We find that simply belonging to a yacht club is sufficient to secure an available berth at most of the clubs we visit between Connecticut and Maine. They don't care what club we belong to, so long as we mention that we belong to one. That makes membership worth it to us. Belonging to a club implies that one is socially respectable, and the club one visits hopes its members are similarly received when they might visit your club. "Reciprocal privileges" implies being able to run up a tab at the club you're visiting and have them bill your club for you, which does call for much more involved arrangements between officers at both clubs. That is not what most cruisers need or want, so it is not something to get hung up on. We cruised up to Maine for four weeks last summer and were turned down once, when the club we wanted to visit was hosting their major annual regatta and had no moorings available. Having a club membership greases the ways that might otherwise hang you up.  

We don't maintain a yacht club membership, but have stayed at several anyway. Many of which welcome transients, reciprocal or not. Some are even on Dockwa now. One of my methods of "talking my way in" is to anchor nearby and dinghy to the club or walk over from a nearby dinghy dock. I have nothing against yacht clubs, we consider it from time to time. Although, we already belong to a country club, a sportsmans club and an collegiate club in NYC. I don't need more club dues. I'm genuinely curious. What do you find more appealing about yacht clubs (when transient) over a public marina? Is there a camaraderie you enjoy? When I've stayed at them, they're usually the only game in town. It seems like you use them more as a rule and the OP is considering the same. I'm wondering the advantage.  

Minnewaska said: .... I'm genuinely curious. What do you find more appealing about yacht clubs (when transient) over a public marina? Is there a camaraderie you enjoy? When I've stayed at them, they're usually the only game in town. It seems like you use them more as a rule and the OP is considering the same. I'm wondering the advantage. Click to expand...

Sounds like the social aspect of a club is the theme. That makes sense. We're very social, having guests along most weekends of the year. In fact, we chose our current boat, with it's large deck salon for that exact reason. However, when transient, there are two factors that cause me to see a yacht club differently. First, if I'm entertaining my own guests, I would find it cumbersome to engage strangers, as their guest. My guests may feel uncomfortable or burdened doing so as well. Second and more likely the case, when I'm looking for transient facilities (we anchor 90% of the time), its at the end of a passage or hop. We're exhausted and typically just looking for a place to eat, sleep, recharge, take on water and maybe clean up a bit. Cleaning up and mixing in with the club would feel like more work to do. As a minor example, we sailed down from Portland, ME to Portsmith, NH, which took something like 6+ hours in lousy wind and we hadn't left until mid day. We tried to anchor across from the Portsmouth Yacht Club, but the holding was awful and the anchorage full of lobster pots. Just before sunset, I called the PYC to see if they had any transient space, which I already understood was accessible to the public, if available. If they were full, we were heading back out to sea, to either overnight or heave to and chill. The sun was just about to set and they had one mooring ball open. We motored over and grabbed it. The tender came out and took a few bucks for the fee and we never even went to shore. Dinner and sleep. Our plan was to depart at 6am to make the CC canal. We were actually hit at 4am, while sleeping, but that's another story......... PYC was awesome about paying to fix our damage, btw. They deserve some serious cred for that. Spoke to the Commodore, who complimented our boat, which he saw pull up while eating dinner. I have no doubt, had we gone to shore, the reception would have been exactly as you describe. I've been in others, however, where you seem to get "who are you" glances.  

If you are a social type... and don't anchor and want to use guest moorings (for free???) and use their club facilities... go for it. How do you put a value on this? What does you yacht club membership and dues cost? What do they expect from you, if anything in sweat equity? I have been invited to dine at some yacht clubs which was handy at the time... but without a membership in any club.  

Minne-- One can become as involved or remain as completely uninvolved as one chooses when visiting another club. On a recent cruise we had made arrangements to stop at the Venice Yacht Club after a long passage north from the Keys. We encountered pretty crappy weather on the trip and had to heave too for awhile to sit out some of it, so arrived very late, just before mid-night. With that, we pulled up and moored to their outside face dock, set our springs, and hit the sack. To make our tide at our next Pass, we awakened and departed by 0630 the next AM. The only words that were ever exchanged with anyone at the Club were "good mornings" to the few early risers we passed on the dock while headed to the head before departure. The stop cost us nothing. Had we done the same at the Crows Nest face dock, it would have cost us $125 and, for a stop in Venice on a boat of our size and draft, one needs a mooring dock as there is no place one can anchor. N'any case, one can argue the merits of Club membership in either direction. As I mentioned earlier, our home club membership has only cost us $50/year while our local membership is about $550 per month--including our slip and power and water--which is less than the mooring fee alone in the near by commercial marinas which have few of the amenities offered at our club. If we were to go cruising on a full time basis, we could dispense with the local club entirely tho' we would not. To us, it's worth it. Different Ships, Differe long-splices eh? Cheers!  

CLubs are as diverse as boats. I was the Commodore of one and a member for 10 years. In the beginning it was a great place for my wife ( new at the time to sailing) to meet other women who sailed. Marinas people really rarely get to know each other or interact on the water I have found. Yes social aspect was there. On the Chesapeake our membership allowed us to stay in any yacht club and most of the nice ones for $25 per night. That’s a bargain big time. Never do you have to feel you have to be social when there though. It allowed us to also stay in Yacht Clubs on the LI Sound and Newport as part of Yacht clubs of America , many restricted from transients. When we no longer wanted / needed the social aspect and the club fell into financial issues we left. Their slip rates became excessive to other places. We also wanted to be further down the Bay. We rarely take slips as we enjoy anchoring. We’ve got a good dinghy on davits so we can get ashore easily. Many of the friends we made at the club we still get together with on the water. CLubs are all different. We still maintain a club membership in the off chance we want to pull into one traveling. One example . Solomon’s marinas are e going to cost over $140 per night. We stay at the yacht club for $25. St Michael’s costs almost $200 per night. We stay at the yacht club for $25. Those savings alone pay for the membership. We can go to the parties particularly New Years without the drunk masses. So for us there were/ are advantages.  

Great information! Since being sailboat owners, we've been invited to the local club. We've never really been members of any clubs. We don't golf, which is what most country clubs revolve around. As new sailors, the interaction with sailing club members would be beneficial. Thanks again for the information!  

A lot varies with what your local "club" is. Some simply call themselves "boat clubs" and they're basically a private marina with a picnic area, maybe a pool, and someone puts together holiday bbq's. Some are literally country clubs complete with full size pool, tennis courts, and a dining room that regularly is rented out for catered affairs. Some have a restaurant on premises for light lunches and dinner--and a required monthly restaurant expenditure, whether you eat there or not, so make sure it can pay for the cook and front staff. Or a bar with full liquor license. Clubs with reciprocity agreements will tend to aim for a certain "social club" level, on the higher end of the scale I'd think. The kind of places where people go to mix and mingle, not just to park their boats and maybe grab a fast bite.  

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