new york city yacht club

• Secrets of NYC
• Film Locations
• Architecture
• Arts & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Behind the Scenes
• About Untapped New York
• Jobs and Internships
• Advertise with Us

latest posts

Where to Watch the 2024 Eclipse in NYC & New York State

Remnants of NYC’s First Automat Revealed in Times Square

The Best Places to See Cherry Blossom Trees in NYC

Q&A: Photographer Norman McGrath Captures the Destruction of Penn Station, “A Flawed Masterpiece”

Photos: Inside the Exclusive New York Yacht Club in NYC

Located on 37 West 44th Street, the New York City Yacht Club is a private social and yachting club founded by a prominent New Yorker named John Cox Stevens. Originated on July 30th, 1844, the original purpose of the club was simple: to race sailing yachts. Today, the club is composed of over 3,000 members dedicated to both yacht racing and design. As one of New York’s most elite social clubs, membership to the NYYC is very exclusive which makes photos hard to come by, but we were able to get a look inside the stunning club. 

The club was first started during an outing on Steven’s own yacht Gimcrack with eight friends. On that boat, anchored in New York Harbor, the group developed their idea to form the NYYC. They designated Stevens as commodore, and three days later, announced their launching of a yacht club cruise to Newport, Rhode Island : the beginning of the historical connection between these two cities. In 1845, the NYYC’s first clubhouse was built on land granted by Stevens in Hoboken, NJ, in close proximity to the Hudson River.

The opening of the Gothic-styled clubhouse was followed by the club’s first regatta. This turned into the club’s first tradition of the “Annual Regatta,” occurring every year with exception of a few drastic events in American history: the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and II. Today, the NYYC is looking on its 163rd Annual Regatta.

A few years after the opening of the NYYC, Stevens and other club members bought the schooner-yacht America. In 1851, they sailed it to the Isle of Wight in the Solent- a hotbed for yachting in England . They entered a free-for-all around the Isle of Wight, of which they won the Royal Yacht Squadron’s “Hundred Guinea Cup,” further solidifying their title’s as founders of the NYYC. The trophy of the race was donated to the NYYC in 1857, renaming it the “ America’s Cup .” It was meant to be used as a challenge cup for honorable racing between nations. From this point forward, NYYC boats won 81 of 93 races held at the club, often regarded as the longest winning streak in all sports.

Around 1898, member Commodore J. Pierpont Morgan donated three lots on West 44th Street to build an entirely new clubhouse. Now 116 years old, the building was constructed in the beaux-arts style by Whitney Warren and Charles D. Wetmore. It first opened in 1901, and is most renowned for its Model Room and library. A number of races and traditions followed the establishment of the new clubhouse, including the Disabled World Sailing Championship, the Rolex IMS Offshore World Championship, and the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge. Today, the NYYC remains one of the oldest and most exclusive yacht clubs in the world.

Next, read 10 of NYC’s Oldest Historic Private Clubs and check out Behind the Scenes Look at the Wavertree Ship at South Street Seaport .

Things to Do This Week in NYC: March 13 – March 20th

Take a Backstage Tour of the Metropolitan Opera House

• Cruising Compass Media Advertising & Rates
• Blue Water Sailing
• Multihulls Today
• Subscribe Today

Photos: Inside the Exclusive New York Yacht Club in NYC

Located on 37 West 44th Street, New York, NY, the New York City Yacht Club is a private social and yachting club founded by a prominent New Yorker named John Cox Stevens. Originated on July 30th, 1844, the original purpose of the club was simple: to race sailing yachts. Today, the club is composed of over 3,000 members dedicated to both yacht racing and design. As one of New York’s most elite social clubs, membership to the NYYC is very exclusive, which makes photos hard to come by, but we were able to get a look inside the stunning club.

The club was first started during an outing on Steven’s own yacht Gimcrack with eight friends. On that boat, anchored in New York Harbor, the group developed their idea to form the NYYC. They designated Stevens as commodore, and three days later, announced their launching of a yacht club cruise to Newport, Rhode Island: the beginning of the historical connection between these two cities. In 1845, the NYYC’s first clubhouse was built on land granted by Stevens in Hoboken, NJ, in close proximity to the Hudson River. Read more. 

You Might Also Like

Newport International Boat Show Acquired By South Florida Ventures

Storm Damage Along the Maine Coast

Bermuda Triangle Incidents

Read the Summer-Fall Edition of Blue Water Sailing

Read the fall 2023 edition of blue water sailing, recent posts.

• Survey of the Week

• Introducing the New Twin-Keel, Deck Saloon Sirius 40DS

Please Visit Our Sponsor’s Webpages

• Media Advertising & Rates

Published by Blue Water Sailing Media, a division of Day Communications, Inc., Middletown, RI

Publisher & Editor: George Day

Blue Water Sailing Media publishes Blue Water Sailing magazine, Multihulls Today and other titles.

Cruising Compass Advertising Sales:

George Day, Newport, RI [email protected] 401-847-7612

• She Asked, How Hard Can It Be? Boys Do It
• New 2024 Bavaria C50 Tour with Yacht Broker Ian Van Tuyl

© 2014 Blue Water Media. All rights reserved. | Admin

New York Yacht Club

Top ways to experience New York Yacht Club and nearby attractions

• 5th Ave • 3 min walk
• 42nd St – Bryant Park • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

New York Yacht Club - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.01 mi) Steps from Times Square, Transportation & Broadway
• (0.01 mi) The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection
• (0.02 mi) Luxury in the City! Minutes to Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Bryant Park
• (0.02 mi) Experience NYC Like Never Before! Onsite Bar, Free Walking Tours, Onsite Bar
• (0.02 mi) Premium 1 Queen Bed Chrysler View Room at The Iroquois New York
• (0.01 mi) Sen Sakana
• (0.02 mi) Kellari Taverna NY
• (0.03 mi) Forty Four Lounge and Restaurant
• (0.03 mi) Lantern's Keep
• (0.04 mi) City Cafe

New York Yacht Club

Stories from the New York Yacht Club

New York Yacht Club 37 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036-6643 (212) 382-1007

Website: http://www.nyyc.org/

The Isle of Wight in the Solent has long been the epicenter of yachting in England. In 1851, a schooner painted black arrived there looking to win races. This was the yacht America, owned by John Cox Stevens, the first commodore and other members of the New York Yacht Club.

NEW YORK YACHT CLUB BECOMES NSHOF FOUNDING MEMBER

These nine individuals agreed to form the New York Yacht Club, with Stevens to serve as commodore.  With much enthusiasm for their accomplishment, the group further agreed to assemble their yachts three days later and cruise to Newport, Rhode Island.

A summer cruise among New York Yacht Club members has been an annual event ever since, with the exceptions of 1861, 1898, and the war years of 1917-1920 and 1941-1945. In 1998, the club celebrated the 100th anniversary of its first cruise to Maine.

A rich and storied history of the New York Yacht Club is available on their website:

http://www.nyyc.org/about/history-heritage

BACK TO YACHT CLUB STORIES PAGE

New York Yacht Club

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

37 W 44th St

New York, NY 10036

Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave

Midtown West

You Might Also Consider

1.3 miles away from New York Yacht Club

Zachary S. said "crazy room in the back that is opened by a guard who tells you to move in, but not too far and then he closes the door on the mirror lined room. The hanging lights glow onto infinity, and you totally feel like you are falling…" read more

in Art Galleries

0.5 miles away from New York Yacht Club

Daniel K. said "My girlfriend and I decided to make a short trip to NYC and one of the activities I planned was for us to see Broadway for the first time. And I must say, we both were blown away! Seating: Although I was hesitant about getting…" read more

in Performing Arts

All Star Studios

7.7 miles away from New York Yacht Club

Jp F. said "I don't usually write reviews, but I wanted to say that this place is a great find! The place is clean and well kept. Both my daughter and now, my son are students here and we are so pleased with the studio. The staff cares for the…" read more

in Dance Studios, Performing Arts

Amenities and More

Ask the community.

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about New York Yacht Club .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

I was fortunate to be invited as a guest to the New York Yacht Club for cocktails and I was just plan awe struck. As I approached the building I just couldn't believe my eyes. The architecture, as I later learned, was of a Beaux-Arts style, totally stunning with the windows vividly depicting the sterns of early day sailing ships overhanging a wavy sea. Then the interior, the most classic I've ever seen, can only be described as drop dead lavishly gorgeous. The fireplace has a mantel like piece bigger than life exuding the warmth of being in a classic club of the finest in tradition. The club is of course most famous for defending the America's Cup which it did successfully from 1870 to 1983; described as "being the longest winning streak in history." As I didn't eat here I can't comment upon the food but I can comment upon the Manhattan I had. It was done with a very good rye and garnished with real Maraschino wine soaked cherries; not those cheapo bright red faux done with a brine cherries you'll find in the typical grocery store. A darn good cocktail done in classic style and tradition. I can only say that if you are fortunate enough to have the chance of being invited, it's an invitation not to be overlooked.

I too am not a member but was a guest of a member who entertained us at lunch, which was absolutely delicious, served by an expert, Keith, who makes all other servers I have look like amateurs. The forraged mushroom soup was excellent. I had little room for anything else. The exhibits in the Model Room must be seen to be believed, as well as the carpet which is, i think, the largest from a single weave anywhere in the world. You can just think of a 'magic' persian carpet. You have to be a member to dine here and you may run the risk of disquieting stares from 'real' members who do not 'cotton to women who don't meet their notion of'appropriate age dressing.' But this happens even at bus stops, so........ BTW the people at the entrance, not the checkroom but the front desk bent over backwards to helpfully provide subway information, which is really unique, as they are probably the only people in the place who use the subway! But thanks to them, a young man was especially helpful.

This place is first class. I just attended the National Historic Maritime Society dinner. The dining room is gorgeous and historical with thousands of model ships. The food was above and beyond what I expected. The 3 course dinner included a fancy salad with a cheese bread that was mouth watering, a perfectly cooked and seasoned steak with mushrooms, onions and broccoli rabe and a rum raisin dessert. I enjoyed every minute of being there and every bite!

Views of the model ships in the main dining room

Very private club and we were happy to have been allowed to stay there as a guest of someone else. August is offseason because they are all out at Newport at their other location sailing and enjoying being out of the hot city. The restaurant and bar was closed But we did not mind. We took full advantage and were able to check out all the rooms in the place including the wonderful model room. No pics allowed but trust me the place is incredible. The architecture is so special and hard to describe but we just loved it. Our room was small but was really very nice and the bed was super comfortable. Just an elegant place and in a very well suited area of Manhatten near Times Square. The desk clerk was about the only one working and he was wonderful and answered any question we had and provided anything we needed in a very timely manner. We hope to come back again someday.

We had a private dinner here for an organization I'm in. What a great choice of venue! The service was flawless, the food was amazing, the drinks were stiff but not overly so, and the decor/atmosphere was incredible. I had never been to a place like this before. It was pretty cool to be in a "high society" setting.

Came here for an FCS Luncheon and while the food wasn't very impressive, the room was absolutely gorgeous! We dined in the Model Room, which contains a magnificent collection of "full and half hull models including a scale model history of all New York Yacht Club America's Cup challenges. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987." The food and service was a solid four but I took off one star for the stuffy atmosphere. What can you expect from an invitation only Yacht Club?

I attended a formal catered event in the Model Room and had a great experience. They served quality food that had nice presentation. It is elegantly decorated throughout and has interesting artifacts that would please any Marine lover.

Because I am not a member of the NYYC I feel a little naughty writing a review, but hey I have been there, twice now - so here goes. And out of interest, both visits were during weekday lunch in the Grill Room. It is very cool down there, probably one of the coolest restaurants I have been to in NY. It's beautiful and couldn't be any more properly nautical without actually being on a yacht! My favorite part of the room was for sure the chiming clock on the half hours. The service was impeccable and the food (in this case a med-well cheeseburger) was perfect. Upstairs the Model Room steals the show of course, but that is not where we ate. Four stars only, because well it is *slightly* stuffy, just a bit buttoned up for my comfort, I wouldn't want to have a few too many cocktails and let my hair down if you know what I mean - but perhaps that is not what it is meant to be about anyway. If you're ever lucky enough to be invited, definitely go!

Love this place. What a gorgeous venue! Will upload photos of the Model Room soon! We had dinner upstairs and the waiters/servers were quite nice except the head waiter. The food was not very good for dinner but the hors d'oeuvres were great (mushroom pastries, tuna tartare w/ cucumber, pistacchio-encrusted lamb chops--delicious! but hard to eat standing up, crab cakes). The chocolate cake was too thick, the salad had too much dressing on it, and the fish was tasteless and tough. But still a lovely place to wine and dine!

Thursday June 4th 2015 around 8pm. I didn't make it past the front lobby. My friend who was spending the night there forgot to tell me that I couldn't wear jeans. I should have known better. However, while informing the staff at the front desk that I was meeting a friend who is spending the night at NYYC, he proceeded to reply with "you actually have a friend who can afford to stay here?". After I gave him my friend's name, he found my friend's reservation and then told me about the "no jeans policy". I was wearing a dressy top with a cardigan and navy blue jeans topped with heels. Meanwhile he was letting in those who wore leggings and combat boots. I didn't realize that leggings are considered more dressy nowadays. Needless to say I'll never go back. I'd rather spend more money at Cornell Club who will accept me regardless of what I wear and won't be a jerk about it.

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

French Institute Alliance Francaise FIAF

0.8 miles away from New York Yacht Club

Maureen Q. said "Fabulous teachers and a privilege to take classes there. I would highly recommend for beginner to expert. They have classes and movies in French and all kinds of cultural programs. It is so much more than a school. They teach very…" read more

in Performing Arts, Language Schools

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Brooklyn

1.7 miles away from New York Yacht Club

Tiffany V. said "The only reason why I'm giving this place 4 stars is because the wait for food and drinks is ridiculous.. Not only did it take a long time to receive our drinks but even for a simple refill we must have waited about 30 minutes to…" read more

in Cinema, Bars, Dinner Theater

Collections Including New York Yacht Club

By Jason C.

NYC Event Venues

People Also Viewed

Penn Club of New York

Harvard Club of New York City

Knickerbocker Club

The Players

The Yale Club of New York City

Classic Car Club Manhattan

University Club

Gotham Hall

Colony Club

Metropolitan Club

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Things to Do

Restaurants With Private Rooms

Observatories

Social Clubs Near Me

People found New York Yacht Club by searching for…

Ny Yacht Club New York

Best Private Clubs in New York

Private Members Club in New York

Formal Events in New York

Social Clubs in New York

Other Social Clubs Nearby

Find more Social Clubs near New York Yacht Club

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

The Holy Grail, the Fountain of Youth, the perfectly equitable rating formula for racing sailboats. Three things not yet discovered. But that didn’t, and won’t likely ever, stop Indiana Jones, Juan Ponce de León, and sailors around the world—respectively—from trying.

In 2020, the New York Yacht Club turned to ORC to handicap its performance racing fleet. This summer will mark the Club’s third season with the rule, which is administered by the Offshore Racing Congress. The ORC Rule is managed in the United States by the Offshore Office of US Sailing. The registration numbers for the ORC fleet for the upcoming 168th edition of the New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta speak to the rule’s growing acceptance in the United States. With two weeks remaining until the first start of North America’s oldest annual regatta on Friday, June 10, the ORC fleet stands at 40 boats, ranging in length from 33 to 74 feet.

What is ORC? What changes are in store for 2022? 

“The first Annual Regatta in 1846 utilized an early handicap formula to score the boats and so has every non-wartime edition since,” says Peter Cummiskey, the event chair for the regatta. “It’s never easy to get sailors to embrace a new rating rule, so we’re very pleased to see how many boats are lining up to compete under ORC. We anticipate some great racing.” The New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta was first sailed on the Hudson River on July 16 and 18, 1846. A similar competition the previous year was called a Trial of Speed. With a few exceptions for world wars and other global crises, the event has been held every year since. For the majority of its existence, the Annual Regatta was raced on waters close to New York City. Since 1988, however, the event has been sailed out of the Harbour Court clubhouse in Newport, R.I., and has settled into the current three-day format, which includes a race around Conanicut Island on Friday, two days of buoy or navigator-course racing on Saturday and Sunday and nightly social activities on the grounds of the historic Harbour Court mansion. The 168th Annual Regatta is sponsored by Hammetts Hotel, Safe Harbor Marinas and Helly Hansen. The return of the Maxi 72 class to the Annual Regatta for the first time since 2016 will add a shot of speed and glamour to the regatta. Three of the 72-foot ocean thoroughbreds will compete in this year’s Annual Regatta. Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente program has been mainstay on the maxi yacht circuit for well over a decade and has recorded plenty of significant victories. But at Les Voiles de St. Barths in April, it was Jim Swartz’s Vesper (above) that had the edge in a two-boat battle, winning four of five races. George Sakellaris’ Proteus will join that duo for the Annual Regatta. “It’s incredibly exciting,” says Swartz. “Match racing Bella Mente in big seas at St. Barths was as fun as it gets. Adding a third player will take it to the next level.”

In the other classes, the speeds may be lower, but the fleets will be bigger, and the competition equally as intense. Among the newcomers to ORC this year is John Brim, who will hit the line with his Italia 11.98 Rima98, which he acquired earlier this spring. Brim is no stranger to handicap racing, having owned a 48-footer, 60-footer and a 55-footer, each of which he raced under the IMS and IRC rules more than a decade ago. Of late, he’s focused on one-design racing—on standard windward-leeward courses—in the J/70 and IC37 classes. Last summer, during the New York Yacht Club’s Annual Cruise, he realized maybe he was missing something. “I remembered the fun of going point-to-point,” says Brim. “I realized that has been a missing dimension because I’d been sailing the last eight years in J/70s and a couple of years the IC37s. I said, ‘This is fun.’ It was fun to also compute who won at the end of the day using the ORC handicaps. It was something different after many, many years of one-design sailing.”

Brim is also excited that the boat (a sister ship is at left) will allow him to sail with a largely amateur crew. “It’s not a full-on race boat,” he said. “I’m going to back to where I used to be and I’m looking forward to it.” Brim maintains his ambitions for the season are modest. But the Italia brand does have a reputation for success under ORC, so no one should be surprised to see Rima98 competing for class honors at the Annual Regatta. At the Alexela 2021 ORC World Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, last August, Italia 11.98 yachts finished second, sixth and ninth in the 62-boat Class C fleet.

Racing in the 168th Annual Regatta begins on Friday, June 10, with a race around Conanicut Island starting. Two days of buoy or navigator-course racing will follow on June 11 and 12.

• 167th Annual Regatta
• New York Yacht Club

RELATED ARTICLES

The united nations recognises the trofeo princesa sofía mallorca as a carbon neutral event, hetairos wins the round antigua race, éric péron finishes fifth and completes the circle in the arkéa ultim challenge – brest, antigua classic yacht regatta – preparing to set sail with many new and notable entries, anthony marchand on actual ultim 3 finishes fourth in the arkéa ultim challenge – brest.

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Swiss riders brave the storm in jeddah, sailgp’s christchurch return: race times and maps revealed as excitement grows, alinghi red bull racing embracing the spirit of dedication, editor picks, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, driving performance on land and on water: 41′ amg carbon edition, popular posts, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, superyacht the flying fox seized in the dominican republic, popular category.

• Regatta 805
• America's Cup 380
• Motor Yachts 260
• Boating 215
• Superyachts 181
• Sailing 176
• Yachts News 173
• Sailing Yachts 162

Founded in 2007, the New York Yacht Club Foundation has contributed $8.1 million to fund much needed capital projects in both New York and Newport.

The care and maintenance of these historic buildings require constant attention and is only made possible by the support of the New York Yacht Club Foundation.

Make a donation

About the 44th Street Clubhouse

In 1897, Commodore J. Pierpont Morgan’s unexpected purchase and donation of a three-lot site on West 44th Street was the gift on which the New York Yacht Club would erect its first permanent Clubhouse. Designed by the celebrated Warren & Wetmore architectural firm and completed in 1901, the historic Landmark building—so designated by New York City’s prestigious Landmark Preservation Commission—is a preeminent example of Beaux Arts architecture.

About Harbour Court

Conceived by the Boston-based consortium of Cram, Goodhue and Ferguson, the Renaissance Norman-style mansion was completed in 1906, five short years after the 44th Street Clubhouse. The former summer estate of the late NYYC Commodore John Nicholas Brown, Harbour Court was acquired by the Club in 1988, and has since evolved into the internationally recognized Clubhouse and sailing center that it is today.

About Station 10

In 1845, Commodore John Cox Stevens commissioned architect Alexander Jackson Davis to design the New York Yacht Club’s first Clubhouse—a distinctive structure influenced by the Gothic Revival school. Originally erected in Hoboken, New Jersey, it was later moved to Glen Cove, New York, where it was known as Station 10. The structure was later moved to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut before a final journey to its lasting home at Harbour Court.

CONSIDER MAKING A

Over the next decade, with multiple projects on the horizon, in the planning stages or under way at both Harbour Court or 44th Street, major funding is required to ensure that these Clubhouses are preserved for future generations. These efforts include rebuilding a seawall and restoring the boathouse at Harbour Court. The ongoing annual maintenance of these historic buildings is made possible by the New York Yacht Club Foundation and your generous support.

NYYCF Board of Directors

Harry t. rein.

President & Chairman

Joseph F. Huber

Vice President - Development

Marie Klok Crump

Vice President - Marketing

Christopher L. Otorowski

David k. elwell, jr..

At-Large Member

Charles H. Townsend

William mathews (matt) brooks.

Chairman Emeritus

Board of Directors

Lauretta j. bruno, david t. guernsey, jr., amy h. ironmonger, ralph heyward isham, gary a. jobson, michael f. johnston, commodore philip a. lotz, mark mashburn, douglas l. newhouse, carol o’malley, charles f. willis iv, donald j. steiner, arthur j. santry iii, executive director, trixie b. wadson.

Get in Touch

For more information or assistance with making a contribution, please contact the Foundation by calling 401-608-1125 or [email protected] .

HARLEM YACHT CLUB

Established 1883

WELCOME TO HYC

The Friendliest Club on City Island

The Harlem Yacht Club, founded in 1883, is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States.  

We’ve been based here on City Island since 1894. This unique New York City community is the gateway to the cruising grounds of Long Island Sound to the east and New York City to the west.  

With a full complement of services and activities for boat-owners, new sailors, and social members alike, HYC has something to offer everyone. Come visit us and see. Write to [email protected] to arrange a tour or get more information.

Featured Posts

Join Us for HYC's 2024 Open-House Sundays, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 19.

Dining Hours

• Oct 1, 2023

Updated Oct. '23 Launch Hours

New Cape Coral Yacht Club designs: Most on council like a coastal, Key West vibe

Given three different design options for the new Yacht Club Community Center , most of the Cape Coral City Council is leaning toward a coastal, Key West-flavor architecture.

At a committee of the whole meeting on Wednesday, the city sought direction from the council on a design direction for the outside of the community building.

"It's a concept, just like we do with anything else, and as we are designing, things may come up that we want to shift and be nimble (on)," said Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn.

James Pankonin with Kimley Horn, a consulting firm focusing on public and private developments, presented the information about the look of the community building.

Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park, which includes a yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a beach, has been a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s but is set to undergo major renovations after Hurricane Ian delayed the original plans .

The current plans include a new two-story community center to replace the ballroom, removing the tennis courts, rearranging the area to accommodate a four-story parking garage, a new restaurant, and a new resort-style pool.

The city is also preparing for the demolition of the Yacht Club and its facilities in April as it awaits permits.

No estimates could be provided for the price of the new building.

"It will really come into how much of certain materials are needed and construction methods," Ilczyszyn said.

The city will have that information once they have 30% of the construction design.

Two public meetings for the designs are planned for April 2 and May 7.

After getting public input, the city will vote to amend its contract with Kimley Horn to approve all these changes.

The plan is to have these changes approved or introduced before the summer hiatus.

Previous Coverage Demolition of Cape Coral's Yacht Club slated for April will cost almost $1 million

Cape Coral community news Courtyards of Cape Coral South sets bingo fundraiser for residents still affected by Ian

New Designs for the Yacht Club building

John Bryant with Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, a Sarasota-based design firm, said the goal with the new designs was to maintain the experience of the original Yacht Club.

The majority of the council preferred option one.

Design one:

Bryant described the first option as "coastal vernacular" and similar to the park buildings at Lake Kennedy and Yellow Fever Creek.

"So it's sort of informed by the current architectural work in 2024," Bryant said. "Kinda Key West."

Councilmember Dan Sheppard and Mayor John Gunter preferred option one.

Gunter said the design was the most pleasing for him.

Councilmember Keith Long liked option one and said he liked the Key West aesthetic.

Councilmember Tom Hayden liked option one.

Design two:

Option two is more informed by the current Yacht Club and would have a stone base and mid-century feel to it, according to Bryant.

"There's certainly opportunity to kind of further develop this option to have even more of the existing Yacht Club feel, but a different vibe, feel than option one," Bryant said.

He also said option two might be more expressive the closer they try to recreate the aesthetic of the old ballroom building.

Councilmember Jessica Cosden liked design two as it incorporated design elements of the old building though she lamented how similar it looked to the first design.

"I wish we could have done more, but I know it's hard with a two-story building, to make it look the same as a very unique one-story building.

Councilmember Bill Steinke said two would be his choice as well, but was wary of additional maintenance of natural wood products used in the design.

"As long as we can bring that aesthetic and keep the maintenance down, number two would be my choice," Steinke said.

Councilmember Robert Welsh said he could go either way, but he liked the look of two.

Design three:

This would be more contemporary and modern.

"Even with a more contemporary language, you can still have warmth, incorporating some wood elements and stone elements," Bryant said.

None of the council members expressed any favorability for the third design.

Inside the new community center

The Community Center will have an additional 10,000 square feet for a total of 47,000 square feet, a history room to remember the first ballroom building on the first floor, and more rooms for civic and community use on the first floor.

Additionally, the new ballroom has shifted slightly as the balcony area on the second floor has been expanded to wrap around the top of the building.