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The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club (GPYC) dates to 1914 when 25 men formed a club to pursue their interests in ice boating and sailing on Lake St. Clair. The clubhouse was designed by Guy Lowell, a Boston architect and yachtsman, and was dedicated on July 4, 1929. Its Italian Renaissance façade with its 187 ft. bell tower is a well-recognized landmark to boaters around the lake, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

In 1997 the GPYC was named the “Number One Yacht Club in America” and is still considered among the best. The GPYC provides all the traditional amenities of a classic yacht club, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis and bowling facilities, as well as elegant dining rooms and ballroom. Boating members enjoy the GPYC’s central location on Lake St. Clair and the club maintains a spacious deep-water marina with a private gas dock.

The GPYC maintains membership in the Detroit Regional Yachting Association and holds two annual DRYA-sanctioned sailing regattas each year in addition to numerous other sailing-related events and programs, such as an adult sailing school, exclusively for its members.

Despite the region’s recent struggling economy, the club continues to boast more than 900 members and over the years the architectural integrity of Lowell’s original design and the spectacular view of Lake St. Clair have been meticulously preserved.

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Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Play in the heart of downtown baltimore, marina info.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is than a facility or affiliation.We are a unique community. A community of common interests and shared values. A family of good people being served by other good people. In an atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect.As we have for generations, we stand proud and tall along the water, and welcome all who join us in the pursuit of enjoyment.

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Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Grosse Pointe Boat Club

2024 bridge and board.

Brian Fromm, Commodore

Veronica Greiner, Vice Commodore

Paul Maiale, Rear Commodore

BOARD MEMBERS

Jorge Bonafede

PC Matt Bontomasi

Ski Chmielewski

PC Buzz Young

Sheri Allor, Treasurer

Sharon Stellingwerf, Secretary

Joan Ferguson, Membership Chair

Sheila Tomkowiak, Website Administrator

Tamra Fromm, Website Editor

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Buy GPBC Gear in Our Ship’s Store

PAST COMMODORES

1960-61 Dr. Edward R. Stoliker

1962-63 Al Adams

1964 Wilfred Barbret

1965 Robert Drean

1966 Russell Davis, III

1967 Stanley Shanck

1968 Frank Voorwerk

1969 Alvan Turney

1970 Ralph Bower

1971 Francis M. Huxley

1972 Edward Hickey

1973 Dr. Milton Lipson

1974 Ralph Burton

1975 Bruce Reynolds

1976 Dr. Frank McGillen

1977 Eugene O’Brien, Jr.

1978 Clifford Crockford

1979 James Finney

1980 Arthur Behm

1981 Charles L. Howe

1982 Thomas Guthat

1983 Dr. William C. Quinlan, Jr.

1984 Dale N. Scrace

1985 Robert Green

1986 William Twiddy

1987 Charles Witzke

1988 John Henfrey Smith

1989 Philip Allor

1990 Crosby Boyd

1991 Edward L. Harrah

1992 Arthur Kainz

1993 John Onstwedder

1994 Greg Tisdale

1995 Kenneth Munn

1996 Danny Krease

1997 Larry A. Dowers

1998 Thomas C. Van Der Maas

1999 David Hohlfeldt

2000 Bruce Srupp

2001 Ronald J. Borghi

2002 Donald Smolenski

2003 Frank Stellingwerf

2004 Stephen L. Sholty

2005 Jane K. Davies

2006 John Popovich

2007 Sheila Young Tomkowiak

2008 Wayne Onstwedder

2009 James Grenda

2010 Anne Nyboer

2011 Linda Onstwedder

2012 Maj-Britt Black

2013 Phil Gilbert

2014 Chris Greiner

2015 Geoff Boynton

2016 Jason Merkel

2017 Donald Smolenski

2018 George (Buzz) Young

2019 Reggie Beckius

2020 Dale Cox

2021 Leslie Wagner

2022 Elizabeth Natter

2023 Matt Bontomasi

Founded in 1959, The Grosse Pointe Boat Club is a boating and social club (sail and power) located in Neff Park in the City of Grosse Pointe. The family-oriented club operates out of a repurposed garage fondly nicknamed The Littlest Club. The club hosts a variety of events including parties at the park and in the Scrace Marina, weekend rendezvous at various points on Lake St. Clair, sailboat races, and an annual Christmas party and Commodore’s Ball. We also offer annual safety inspections for boats in the marina.

THE LATEST NEWS

Italiano night — deliciosa e bella.

Thanks to hosts PC Jane Davies, Betsy & PC Dave Hohlfeldt, and PC Linda & PC Wayne Ontswedder, over eighty members and guests enjoyed an outstanding evening with an amazing Italian feast and plenty of ambience. As they say in Italian, ‘delicious and beautiful’. While the weather was tenuous — a bit of both sunshine and some damp skies — we were well protected by our canopies. We were delighted to have so many in attendance, including Sandy & PC Chuck Witzke, valuable contributors to the club who moved to Florida.

Thank you to everyone who shared copious and delicious appetizers and sweet desserts; and a special thanks to all the volunteers, including: the Onstwedder daughters (Sara and Jaclyn), their husbands (Josh and Ross), PC Matt Bontomasi, and Jay Kaiser on set up; Ceci and Director Ski Chmielewski, Maxine and Lou Hartman at the reception; Doris Neal who served up the lasagna; PC’s Phil Allor and Don Smolenski who handled the 50/50 raffle and regaled us with a special poem for the evening. The cleanup crew included Marty Casey, Marcia Cron, Membership Chair Joan Ferguson, Tom Van Tiem, and Joe Valentine.

Fitting Out Party 2024

A beautiful May evening provided the backdrop for a spectacular party to kick off the 2024 outdoor season! Despite the wait for the caterer, the event was one of the best attended events in club history. Everyone enjoyed time by the lake with good friends.

To date, over $1500 was raised for the kayak upgrade project. Many thanks to those who donated! If anyone would still like to contribute to the project, please make a check payable to the City of Grosse Pointe Foundation with a note ‘GPBC’ in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the City of Grosse Pointe.

Thanks especially to our wonderful hosts: RC Paul Maiale, Director Teri Davis, and Jo Malecek who worked tirelessly on this event. Thanks also to all the volunteers who contributed to the evening: flyer designers and distributors; those who planted flowers around the clubhouse; those who arrived early to set up; those who checked in members and guests, collected donations, and stayed late to clean up.

And a warm welcome to the new members who joined our littlest club!

For more event photos, click here: 2024: Fitting Out | Flickr

Clubhouse Clean-up Day Preps for Season Ahead

Seventeen ‘crew’ members showed up on a Saturday morning to make our clubhouse sparkle and shine for the season ahead! Even the sun showed up to brighten the day despite looming forecasts of rainy weather.

Thanks to all those who lent a hand and more, including Cmdre. Brian Fromm, VC Veronica Greiner, RC Paul Maiale, Treasurer Sheri Allor, Director Jorge Bonafede, PC Matt Bontomasi, Marty & Ken Casey, Ceci & Director Ski Chmielewski, PC Jane Davies, Jay Kaiser, PC Liz Natter, Rob Peberdy, Bob Vanderpool, Honorable Tom Van Tiem, and PC Leslie Wagner.

For more photos, click here: 2024: Clubhouse Cleanup | Flickr

Ladies Tea 2024

Seven lovely Boat Club ladies donned their fashionable hats and enjoyed an intimate afternoon at the Pink House Tea Room in New Baltimore with tea and lunch overlooking scenic Anchor Bay. Thank you to Karen Grobbel for hosting this event!

For more photos, click here: 2024: Ladies Tea | Flickr

~ Brian Fromm

Feather Bowling 2024 @ Cadieux Cafe

On Friday, April 5, close to forty members came out to dine, bowl, and gather together at the Cadieux Cafe. Thank you to Barb and Rob Peberdy along with Commodore Brian and Tamra Fromm for hosting this favorite annual event. RC Paul Maiale was the lucky winner of the 50/50 raffle. We were fortunate to have Anne and Lee Nyboer’s daughter Claire working that night to provide us excellent service.

L to R: Gerri Haselmire, Ed Benz, Kris Hart, Jim Hart, PC Phil Allor, Fran Benz, and Treasurer Sheri Allor.

RC Paul Maiale carefully examines the distance between the feather and the closest wooden balls.

PC Don Smolenski contemplates his next throw while Lee Nyboer, PC Jane Davies, and Gerri Haselmire cheer from the sidelines.

More photos can be viewed at the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gpbcphotos/albums/72177720316062310/

— Brian Fromm

2024 Commodore’s Ball

Congratulations  to our 2024 Officers:

Commodore: Brian Fromm

Vice Commodore: Veronica Greiner

Rear Commodore: Paul Maiale

Directors: Jorge Bonafede, PC Matt Bontomasi, Ski Chmielewski, Teri Davis, and PC Buzz Young

Treasurer: Sheri Allor

Secretary: Sharon Stellingwerf

Membership Chair: Joan Ferguson

Website Administrator: Sheila Tomkowiak

Website Editor: Tamra Fromm

Left to right: Commodore Brian Fromm, PC Matt Bontomasi, Director Paul Maiale, and Vice Commodore Veronica Greiner,

Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed to the event : Treas. Sheri Allor, Sofia Bontomasi, PC Matt Bontomasi, Steve Bowler & Kathy Grabruck, Ski & Ceci Chmielewski, Duncan & Diane Currie, PC Jane Davies, Membership Chair Joan Ferguson, Chris & Karen Grobbel, RC Paul Maiale & Kelly Basnett, Lady Tamra Fromm, VC Veronica Greiner, Gerri Haselmire, Lauren & Tom Krall, PC Liz Natter, PC Dale Scrace, PC Don Smolenski, Sharon & Rob Suess, PC Sheila Tomkowiak and PC Buzz Young.

More photos can be viewed at the link:   https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBgoXt

Game Night 2024

Close to thirty GPBC friends gathered on a cold January Saturday for some fun and games… literally! Thank you to Karen and Chris Grobel for hosting the club’s first Game Night! A perfect way to break up the monotony of the snowy and frigid weather.

Survey says… many members enjoyed the friendly competition of Family Feud while others battled it out playing Mexican Train Dominoes. A variety of other games were enjoyed by all!

For more photos, click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gpbcphotos/albums/72177720314282245/

~ Matt Bontomasi

Winter Solstice Party

What a party! The 2023 Winter Solstice Party was the most well attended ever! More than 70 GPBC friends gathered at the Littlest Club to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Everyone enjoyed delicious soups, snacks and sweets. Thank you to PC Dave Hohlfeldt for making the wonderful soups, and thanks to all who contributed a sweet or savory treat. RC Jim Callahan was the lucky winner of the 50/50 drawing and went home with $75 cold, hard cash… literally.

Some friends gathered around the fires to keep warm, while others took advantage of the hot cider and hot cocoa with Baileys to warm up. Director Paul Maiale was even spotted wearing electric gloves! Once again, our beloved Bard of the Boat Club, PCx2 Don Smolenski, had the crowd cheering and laughing as he gave his ode to the trials and tribulations of Michigan Winters.

A big thank you to Duncan Currie for hosting this wonderful event! Duncan pitched the idea for a Winter Solstice party in 2018 and it has continued to be a great tradition for the GPBC. Many members commented that it is their favorite party of the year. Tip of the Commodore’s hat to Duncan! Thank yous are also due to PC Tom VanDerMaas and Sofia Bontomasi for conducting the 50/50 raffle; the setup and cleanup crew including Ken & Marty Casey, VC Brian Fromm, Dir. Paul Maiale, Lady Jen and Sofia Bontomasi; and Lady Jen, VC Brian Fromm and Fast Eddie Benz, for terrific photos of the event.

For more photos, click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gpbcphotos/albums/72177720313561356/

Christmas Party Brings Joy

Wow, what a way to kick off the holiday season!  Nearly 70 GPBC members had a blast at the annual Christmas Party this past Sunday at the Pepperoni Grille.

The party would not have been such a success without the efforts of our hosts. Thank you very much to PC Sheila and Dir. Veronica for all your hard work and dedication to this club! Everyone had smiles on their faces the entire time!

Thanks to Membership Chair, Joan Ferguson, the Grosse Pointe South Choir serenaded us with a cappella Christmas carols while we all enjoyed a delicious dinner and desserts.

And, for the cherry on top, Poet Laureate PCx2 Don Smolenski, delivered a funny and heartfelt ode to the Christmas season. His poems just keep getting better and better!

Thank you to everyone that participated in the Toys for Tots program! We collected a very generous amount of toys that will surely be appreciated. While we are a social club, it’s wonderful to be able to give back to the community in any capacity we can!

For more photos, click here:

Thank you to Lady Jen and PC Buzz for working together to capture these special moments. Happy Holidays to all!

Chili Cookoff Warms Bodies and Souls

The Annual Chili Cook was well…a bit chilly , which is to be expected, considering the theme of the event.  No worries!  Duncan “The Firemaster” Currie kept the fire roaring while over 75 GPBC friends joined in on the fun!

Nine chili chefs competed to become the coveted “2023 GPBC Chili Champ”.  Thank you to the following chefs:  Ken Casey, Terri Davis, PC Dave Hohlfeldt, Mary & Kory Kopchick, Joe & Danielle Kotwick, Lauren Krall, Bernie Loperfido, Mary Scrace, and Tom Van Tiem.  Everyone’s chili was delicious, and it was a very tight race!  Tied for second place were Ken Casey’s “Chili Chili” and PC Dave Hohlfeldt’s “Base Camp Chili”.  However, the 2023 GPBC Chili Champ was Tom Van Tiem with “Bison’s Beans”.  Congratulations !

As always, the party could not have been a success without the help of many, many people.  Thank you to co-hosts, Director Paul Maiale and Kelly Basnett, for all of their hard work!  A special thank you goes to PC Jane Keough Davies for her beautiful name tags and decorations.  Thank you to the following friends that helped with setup, cleanup and keeping the party running smoothly:  Steve Bowler and Kathy Grabruck, Duncan Currie, PC Jim Grenda and Joan Ferguson, Chris and Karen Grobbel, Jim and Kris Hart, Bob and Kathy Vanderpool, and Tom Van Tiem.

For more photos, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAXSsQ

~Matt Bontomasi

2023 Kaiser Cup Results

So who won the Kaiser Cup? Out of eight boats, who took home the coveted trophy? NOBODY, that’s who!

The wind gods were not kind to our fleet on Sunday. Conditions included light, patchy air that never came from the same direction for more than twenty seconds. A sailor’s frustrating challenge, to be sure!

And what was waiting for them but a fabulous party at the Littlest Club, hosted by PC Sheila Tomkowiak with help from Kelly Basnett, Dir. Veronica Greiner, Geri Haselmire, Mary Scrace, and Ski and Ceci Chmielewski. A special thanks to Lady Jen DeWard and Dir. Veronica Greiner for taking photos during the event. More than fifty GPBC members enjoyed the beautiful — if windless — day, yummy food from Chicken Shack, and each others’ company.

Bottom line, everybody won on Sunday!

For more photos, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUnGT

Summer Chow Down lives up to its name

Thanks to the hard work and preparation of the above mentioned hosts, Ski & Ceci Chmielewski for check-in; Paula Smolenksi, the Onstwedders’ daughters, Sarah & Jaclyn, and Tom Krall for setup/cleanup; and PCx2 Don Smolenski, Sofia Bontomasi and Lady Jen for running the 50/50.  Congratulations to guest Mary Beth Hathaway who walked away with $180 from the drawing!

More photos can be viewed via the following link:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/gpbcphotos/albums/72177720310647521/

7th Annual WG Milliken Rendezvous

The rain did not dampen the spirit s of the faithful GPBC members at the seventh annual WG Milliken State Park Rendezvous this past weekend! Four boats stayed the weekend at the marina, enjoying the sights and sounds of Detroit. Many went for bike rides along the riverfront, Dequindre Cut, and Eastern Market. Some even enjoyed the nearby Polish Festival. Several GPBC friends came by via car and boat for Happy Hour and dinner on Saturday.

A great time was had by all! Thank you to our hosts, PC Tom and Mary VanDerMaas for organizing this amazing annual event.

For more photos, see the link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAR3b4

Commodores Breakfast 2023 Fuels the Day

Sunday morning’s weather was cool as well as comfortable , and 64 friends descended on the Littlest Club for the annual Commodores Breakfast. As always, the food was plentiful and delicious! PC Liz Natter earned her title the “Whiz” as she organized numerous PCs and other volunteers to prepare a smorgasbord of breakfast goodies. The breakfast was made possible by the following:

PCx2 Don Smolenski — “the Baconater” — and PC Frank Stellingwerf – Meat Meisters PC Phil Allor, PC Jim Grenda, PC Dale Scrace – Pancake Makers Extraordinaire Mary Scrace – Cheesy Potato Goddess PC Jane Davies – Mimosa Mama and Bloody Mary Maven PC Leslie Wagner – Hospitality and Check-in PC Sheila Tomkowiak and PC Buzz Young – Clubhouse set-up for the beautiful buffet PC Liz Natter – Baker of the beloved breakfast breads Treasurer Sheri Allor – Advisor, Fruit Salad and Cheesy potato maker

A special thanks to Joan Ferguson, Lynne Loperfido, Duncan Currie, Veronica Greiner, Viviana and Jorge Bonefide for filling in when assistance was needed.

For more photos, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAM5gj

Homeport Rendezvous Defies Weather and Honors PC Popovoch

Don’t panic… pivot! When it seems like fate is conspiring against you, doing everything it can to spoil your party plans, some people throw in the towel. Not PC Sheila Tomkowiak and Membership Chair Joan Ferguson! When the hosts of the Homeport Rendezvous learned at the eleventh hour — almost literally! — that the caterer had been hospitalized, did they panic? Well, yes, but only momentarily. Then they leapt into action and found Mike at Boukie’s Grill in Royal Oak, who was able to handle the order at the last minute and — drumroll, please! — within the budget. And, on top of that, the food was fabulous!

Setup was also fraught. A team of PC James Grenda, Commodore Matt Bontomasi, VC Brian Fromm, Professor Jay Kaiser, Ken Casey and PC/Dir Buzz Young assembled earlier than planned on the morning of the party to set up the tents hoping to get it done before the rain. Were they concerned? Well, yes. But then a trip to the hardware store and four 8×10 blue tarps later, the sides of the tents facing the weather were well protected from the afternoon’s deluge. Party on!

Luckily, right before the party, the clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun made a brief appearance. And what a party it was! More than 50 people partook of the delicious dinner fare with enough left over to feed the grateful cops at Grosse Pointe Public Safety for two days. Not to mention a dazzling array of appetizers provided by the party guests. But the icing on the cake was the ice cream in the bowl – – a fantastic build-your-own ice cream bar with all the trimmings.

The event was dedicated to the memory of much beloved PC John Popovich. Several of those closest to him shared fond memories; PC Sheila Tomkowiak, PC Tom and Mary VanDerMaas, PC Jane Davies, PC Phil and Treasurer Sheri Allor. The most touching words were from John’s wife, Martha, followed by an ode from GPBC’s own Poet Laureate, PCx2 Don “The Bard” Smolenski.

The rain was kind enough to hold off until the party was over — almost. With about 20 stragglers still lingering and enjoying the evening, the skies opened up and the rain came down in buckets. The tarps worked great but couldn’t prevent a growing flood in front of the clubhouse that crept inside while everyone scrambled to move vulnerable materials to higher ground. Ultimately no harm was done, although it took until the next morning for things to dry out in time for the Commodores Breakfast.

As usual, a small army of members — led by Dir. Veronica Greiner and Sheri Allor — rolled up their sleeves and pitched in with the cleanup, and set-up for the next morning leaving a spotless clubhouse, ready to be messed up by the Past Commodores who were on deck to make breakfast the next morning.

You know it was a splendid party when the first guests to arrive (Jack and Nancy Addison ) are the last to leave.

For more photos, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAM4dm

Metro Park Rendezvous

Five boats moored and numerous others joined the festivities by car for the annual Metro Beach Rendezvous this past Saturday. A good time was had by all! Five golfers participated in the third annual par three golf outing. Thank you PCx2 Don & Paula Smolenski for hosting this wonderful event!

‘Sockless’ Sock Hop Rocks Neff Park

What does it take to bring a crowd of widely varying age groups to the City Park, get a bunch of them dancing vigorously, and take silly pictures? How about some wonderful music, very tasty food and adult  cold  beverages!

A Sock Hop — without the socks?  Yes, it happened — but it didn’t happen by itself. Host RC Jim Callahan first pitched the idea and off it went. Both he and Marcia Cron were  tireless — cleaning the club and getting the food.  Others quickly stepped in to help: Ed & Fran Benz and PC Liz Natter .

Money was collected, drinks served, and a 50/50 barker helped to cover expenses. The tunes began to roll and the hepcats and their ladies were a-rockin’!

Many, many thanks to those mentioned and unmentioned, who made this party at the park a glowing success!

More photos can be viewed at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gpbcphotos/sets/72177720309152904/

~VC Brian Fromm

Get your GPBC Swag on!

If you’ve been at any of our club events lately, you’ve likely noticed the cool polo shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and jackets with the GPBC logo that folks are wearing.

You can get these — and more! — at Albatross Embroidery , located on Mack Avenue between Washington and Rivard. Owners Sandy and Jeni are both residents and boaters — and they can create whatever kind of apparel and design you could want. Below are new sweatshirt and polo shirt designs for 2023. But if you’ve got an idea for something new, don’t let that stop you!

And… you can also pick up one of those classic club burgees by simply sending a message, email or text to PC Buzz Young and he’ll help with arrangements, including delivery. They’re only $35.00 with checks payable to GPBC.

A great way to promote our club and grow our membership!

Fitting Out Party 2023

On Saturday, May 20, seventy-five friends gathered at the Littlest Club for the annual Fitting Out Party. First-time host, Dir. Paul Maiale, did a fantastic job. Aided by co-host PC Liz Natter, who did most of the front-end work, Paul assembled a terrific supporting team, like Ski and Ceci Chmielewski, Joan Ferguson, new member Dan “The Bartender” Currier, Geri Hasselmeir, and Dir. Veronica Greiner. Even Matt Bontomasi’s dad, Joe, got in on the action by running the 50/50. PC Dave Hohlfeldt kept alive his tradition of bringing the most delicious homemade soup.

What a delight to see Martha Popovich! Yet the high point of the evening came when PCx2 Don Smolenski, our Poet Laureate, graced us with an ode  to ‘fitting out’…or something.

Many Hands Make Light Work at the Clubhouse

Many hands were on deck on Saturday, May 13 to help spruce up the clubhouse in preparation for the upcoming Fitting Out Party. A huge success! Thank you to all who helped!

Left to Right: Marcia Cron, VC Jim Callahan, Ceci and Ski Chmielewski, RC Brian Fromm, Fast Eddie and Fran Benz, Professor Jay Kaiser, Dir Paul Maiale, Dir Veronica Greiner, Treasurer Sheri Allor, Commodore Matt and daughter Sofia. Not pictured: Tom Van Tiem and PC Liz Natter.

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Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Select services venue.

The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $15,000

Guest capacity

Up to 250 seated guests

About this venue

A ship is only as good as its crew and a crew is only a good as its captain. The GPYC has been in existence for over 100 years, and we continuously strive for perfect harmony amongst our facilities and our staff. Our award-winning formula of expert leadership, committed staff, and state-of-the-art amenities has been instrumental in ensuring that our Club becomes so much more. Think of Grosse Pointe Yacht Club as an escape from the typical week or weekend. Between boating, networking, events, activities, and our family atmosphere, we’ve crafted the perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of life.

Seated guest capacity

• Ballrooms, Banquet Halls
• Beaches, Waterfront Settings

Venue setting

Our event spaces

Weddings at grosse pointe yacht club.

Choose from our exquisite dining halls and regal ballrooms to set the mood perfectly, every time.

Planning a wedding should be more than a checklist of tasks. It should be a stress-free and exciting time for all involved. Let the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s professional event team assist you in ensuring that everything is handled smoothly and competently. Make your nuptials unforgettable at GPYC. Gaze upon our East Lawn that looks over our Harbor and Lake St. Clair. A scene most fitting for eternal union. Finally, punctuate the big day at your reception in our exquisite ballroom, perfect for a gathering of family and friends.

Guests often feel this space is

“ Magical ”

Included in this room:

We go above and beyond to ensure that your event remains memorable for years to come.Our culinary team has crafted exotic, local and specialty dishes to accommodate the needs and palates of every guest.

Available services that can be provided by Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Services & amenities.

• Bar services
• Catering services
• Dance floor
• Dressing room / Bridal Suite
• Event coordinator
• Event rentals
• Event staff
• Liability insurance
• Wedding cake services

Frequently asked questions

What is your peak season, what is your off-peak season, can we bring our own alcohol, do you have on-site parking.

18 Zola couples have booked

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Adult Sailing

2023 adult learn to sail and adult learn to race pricing, adult sailing learn to sail description.

Sailors are taught aboard Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s newly restored J-22’s and instructors are U.S. Sailing Certified. Whether you are new to sailing or want to improve your sailing, navigation or racing techniques we can tailor a program to your needs.

James Cooper is the Adult Sailing Program Director and has designed the courses for those 18 years and older with all different sailing abilities in mind.

Skills taught in Learn to Sail include rigging, boat handling, steering with a tiller, main and jib sail trim, entering and leaving the harbor, points of sail, wind, knot tying and sailing safety.

Adult Sailing Learn to Race Description

Adult Learn to Race Sailing Class If you know how to sail but want to get into sailboat racing, this is the perfect chance. Lake St Clair is busy every night of the week with fun active sailboat racing. Why not be a part of the camaraderie and teamwork. The ALTR class is the next step beyond the ALTS. We focus on the principles of racing: sail trimming, crew work, race course management and racing rules. This hands-on course will make you a desired crew member on most sailboats. Our Learn to Race class is taught on J22 sailboats and includes weekly races and a team race on the highly competitive J111.  Upon completion of the course (6 group race lessons for $500). Assistance is available for boat placement on Lake St Clair sailboats. Course includes weekly evening races and post-race byob debriefings. James Cooper: instructor Registrar online today! Questions Contact:

For more information contact James Cooper at [email protected]

• Group lessons available May, June, July, August, and September
• Six session programs available, instructor flexible to day and time of the week
• Lessons are 2 to 2.5 hours each
• Held in GPYC's Marine Activity Center and on the water

Celebrate the good life with friends, reunions, respectful scattering of loved ones ashes, college outs, birthdays, sporting events, family gatherings, corporate building experience and more. Grosse Pointe Yacht Club will do it all!

• Freedom Day Sail Tour Detroit River Experience, 2.5 hrs
• Freedom Day Sail Tour Lake St. Claire Experience, 2.5 hrs
• Freedom Sailboat Racing on Lake St. Claire Experience, 2.5 hrs

Participants will sail with coach Cooper weekly. Lessons take place at GPYC  in the Marine Activity Center (MAC).

In addition to the Learn to Sail class, GPYC also offers these courses:

• Cruising Lake St Clair (Understand the lake, using GPS and VHF radio, setup destinations)
• Learn to Race (Sailing the J/22 fast and trimming the sails for speed, understanding the race course)

GPYC Member Sailors who complete any of these courses successfully are entitled to take out a J/22 with your friends. The J/22s have power for docking.