gulfport yacht club membership fees

Gulf Yachting Association

Member clubs.

Affiliate Member Clubs

* Charter member yacht clubs of the Southern Gulf Coast Yachting Association, organized in 1901 and reorganized in 1920 under the Gulf Yachting Association. ** Charter member clubs of the Gulf Yachting Association *** Both

Supporting Yachting in the Southeast since 1901

Gulfport Yacht Club

Play in the heart of downtown baltimore, marina info.

Gulfport Yacht Club has a 107 Slip Marina overlooking the beautiful Mississippi Sound. They offer transient dockage. The Charge is $1.50 per foot per night for GYA Club Members and $2 per foot for Non-Members.

$2/ft/night. Yacht Club discount: $1.50/ft

Fuel Prices

Payment types.

Max Length (ft):

Approach depth (ft): , dock depth (ft):.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club Gulfport FL | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting

Disclaimer:  CountryClubMag.com is an independent resource and is not associated with any of the clubs on this website. Club initiation and membership cost information are estimates only and should not be relied upon for making club membership decisions. Is there information in this article that’s inaccurate or out-of-date? Please contact us and let us know.

Welcome to the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club, a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque shores of Gulfport, Florida. With its rich history, stunning waterfront views, and a myriad of world-class amenities, PYCC is a premier destination for those seeking an exquisite blend of coastal living, upscale leisure, and timeless elegance.

Whether you’re an avid sailor, a golf enthusiast, or simply looking to savor the tranquil beauty of Tampa Bay, our club offers an unparalleled experience that captures the essence of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the charm and sophistication of Pasadena Yacht and Country Club.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club History and Founding

The Pasadena Yacht and Country Club in Gulfport, Florida, was founded in 1913 by a group of prominent St. Petersburg businessmen. The club was originally established as a winter retreat for wealthy northerners, and it quickly became one of the most exclusive social clubs in the region.

The club’s original clubhouse was designed by John Russell Pope , a prominent American architect who is best known for designing the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Pope’s design for the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club was a Mediterranean Revival-style building with a red tile roof and a white stucco exterior. The clubhouse was completed in 1914, and it quickly became a popular gathering place for members and their guests.

In 1924, the club added a golf course designed by Marion Sims Wyeth, a renowned golf course architect. Wyeth’s design was challenging and scenic, and it quickly became one of the most popular golf courses in Florida.

The Pasadena Yacht and Country Club has a long and rich history. It has hosted numerous prestigious events over the years, including the PGA Tour’s St. Petersburg Open from 1962 to 1976. The club has also been a popular filming location for movies and television shows, such as “The Twilight Zone” and “Caddyshack.”

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club remains a private social club with a membership of approximately 350 families. The club offers a variety of amenities to its members, including a golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a marina, and a clubhouse.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

The Pasadena Yacht and Country Club in Gulfport, FL is a private country club with a variety of amenities, including a championship golf course, marina, tennis courts, fitness center, and dining facilities. Membership to the club is expensive, but it offers a number of benefits, including access to all of the club’s amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other members.

The estimated and rumored membership costs and dues for the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club are as follows:

• Initiation Fee: $10,000-$20,000
• Monthly Dues: $500-$1,000
• Annual Dues: $6,000-$12,000

It is important to note that these are just estimates and rumors, and the actual membership costs and dues may vary.

In addition to the initiation fee and dues, members of the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club are also required to spend a minimum of $700 on food and beverages annually. This minimum spending requirement is designed to help offset the cost of operating the club’s dining facilities.

Overall, the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club is a very expensive club to join. However, it offers a number of benefits to its members, including access to a variety of amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other members.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club Amenities

The Pasadena Yacht and Country Club in Gulfport, Florida, offers a wide range of amenities to cater to the interests and preferences of its members. While specific offerings may evolve over time, here are some of the common amenities you might find at a prestigious club like PYCC:

• Golf Course: PYCC typically features a well-maintained 18-hole golf course that provides a challenging and enjoyable experience for golf enthusiasts.
• Marina: As a yacht and country club, PYCC often boasts a marina or boat facilities, making it convenient for members to enjoy boating and water-related activities on Tampa Bay.
• Clubhouse: The clubhouse serves as the hub of social activities and often includes dining options, bars, and lounges. It’s a place where members can gather for meals, events, and relaxation.
• Tennis Courts: Many country clubs , including PYCC, offer tennis courts where members can enjoy friendly matches or take part in organized tennis programs.
• Swimming Pool: An outdoor swimming pool is a common feature for members to enjoy and relax in a serene and luxurious environment.
• Fitness Center: A fitness center equipped with modern exercise equipment and facilities for various fitness classes can be part of the club’s amenities.
• Social and Event Spaces: PYCC often hosts social events, weddings, and gatherings in its event spaces, providing members with opportunities for socializing and celebrations.
• Private Beach Access: Some clubs situated along the coast may have private beach access, allowing members to enjoy the beautiful Florida shoreline.
• Fine Dining: Upscale dining options, from casual to formal, provide members with a range of culinary experiences.
• Wellness Facilities: In addition to fitness centers, clubs may offer wellness amenities such as spas, saunas, or massage therapy.
• Gated Community: Many yacht and country clubs are within gated communities, providing an added layer of security and exclusivity for members.
• Golf Pro Shop: A pro shop typically provides golf equipment, apparel, and accessories for members and guests.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

The Pasadena Yacht and Country Club in Gulfport, Florida, offers a variety of events and celebrations throughout the year for its members and guests.

Here are some common types of events you can expect to celebrate at PYCC:

• Holiday Celebrations: PYCC often hosts special events and parties for major holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These celebrations can include themed dinners, fireworks displays, and festive entertainment.
• Social Mixers: The club frequently organizes social mixers and gatherings to provide members with opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow members in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
• Golf Tournaments: Golf enthusiasts can participate in various golf tournaments held throughout the year. These events may include member-only competitions, charity fundraisers, and more.
• Tennis Events: If you’re into tennis, PYCC may host tennis tournaments, round-robin matches, and other tennis-related events for members of all skill levels.
• Boating and Yachting Activities: Given its yacht club status, PYCC often hosts boating and yachting events, such as regattas, sailing races, and cruises along the Gulf Coast.
• Themed Parties: PYCC occasionally throws themed parties and costume events, offering a fun and festive atmosphere for members to enjoy.
• Concerts and Live Entertainment: Some events feature live music, concerts, and entertainment acts, allowing members to enjoy performances while socializing.
• Wine Tastings: Wine enthusiasts may have the opportunity to attend wine tastings and wine-pairing dinners featuring a selection of fine wines.
• Charity and Fundraising Events: The club may host charity events and fundraisers to support local causes and nonprofit organizations, providing members with a chance to give back to the community.
• Family-Friendly Activities: PYCC often includes family-oriented events like children’s parties, Easter egg hunts, and family movie nights to ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Special Occasion Celebrations: Members may have the option to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with customized events in the club’s event spaces.
• Culinary Events: Food lovers can look forward to special culinary events, including chef’s tasting menus, cooking classes, and themed dining experiences.

The dining options at the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club (PYCC) in Gulfport, Florida, typically cater to a range of culinary preferences and dining experiences.

Here are common dining options you might find at PYCC:

• Clubhouse Dining: The clubhouse often serves as the primary dining venue, offering a variety of dining experiences from casual to formal. Members can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable and inviting setting.
• Bars and Lounges: PYCC typically has bars and lounges where members can relax, enjoy cocktails, and socialize with fellow members. These areas often provide a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the main dining room.
• Outdoor Dining: If the club has outdoor seating areas, members can dine al fresco while taking in scenic views of the bay or golf course. Outdoor dining is often a popular choice, especially during pleasant weather.
• Private Dining: Some dining spaces may be available for private events or special occasions. Members can reserve these areas to host gatherings with a personalized touch.
• Special Dining Events: PYCC may host special dining events throughout the year. These events can include wine tastings, themed dinners, chef’s table experiences, and other culinary adventures.
• Member Discounts: Depending on the membership level, members may receive discounts on food and beverages at the club’s dining establishments, making it an attractive option for regular dining.
• Catering Services: PYCC may offer catering services for private events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. Members can work with the club’s culinary team to create customized menus for their events.
• Sunday Brunch: Some clubs feature a popular Sunday brunch tradition, offering a wide selection of brunch favorites in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.
• Healthy Options: Clubs often include healthier menu options for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. These options can include salads, seafood, and lighter fare.
• Kids’ Menus: Family-friendly clubs typically offer kids’ menus with child-friendly dishes to accommodate younger members and their families.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Private clubs like the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club often have specific dress codes and guest policies to maintain a certain level of decorum and uphold the club’s atmosphere.

Here’s a general overview of what you might expect regarding dress code and guest policies at such a club:

Dress Code:

• Casual Wear: Many private clubs have casual dress codes for daytime activities and certain areas of the club. This typically includes neat and presentable attire such as collared shirts, slacks, shorts of an appropriate length, and non-disruptive footwear.
• Smart Casual: In the evenings or for specific dining areas, clubs may have a smart casual dress code. This generally means collared shirts, dress slacks, dresses, skirts, and closed-toe shoes for adults. Jeans, if allowed, are typically required to be in good condition without rips or tears.
• Formal Attire: On occasion, clubs may host formal events or have formal dining areas where more elegant attire is expected. This often includes suits, ties, dresses, and formal shoes.
• Athletic Wear and Swimwear: Typically, athletic wear, workout clothing, and swimwear are not allowed in indoor dining areas or formal settings. However, they may be acceptable in designated areas like the pool or fitness center.
• Footwear: Most clubs require appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes, in indoor dining areas and other common spaces.
• Hats and Caps: Some clubs may have policies against wearing hats or caps indoors.

Guest Policy:

• Member Sponsorship: Guests are usually required to be sponsored by a club member. The sponsoring member is often responsible for the behavior and conduct of their guests while on the club’s premises.
• Limits on Guest Visits: Clubs may have restrictions on the number of times a guest can visit within a specified time period. Frequent guests might be encouraged to consider membership.
• Guest Fees: Some clubs charge guest fees for each visit. These fees can vary depending on the guest’s age and the club’s policies.
• Guest Registration: Guests may be required to register at the club’s front desk or with a member of the club’s staff upon arrival.
• Guest Access: The extent of guest access to club facilities may vary. Some clubs may limit access to certain areas or activities for guests.
• Reciprocal Clubs: Private clubs often have reciprocal agreements with other similar clubs, allowing members to bring guests from reciprocal clubs with certain privileges.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club in Gulfport, Florida, stands as a testament to luxury, leisure, and an elegant coastal lifestyle. With its rich history, world-class amenities, and stunning waterfront views, PYCC offers its members an exclusive and welcoming haven on Tampa Bay’s shores.

Whether you’re passionate about golf, yachting, fine dining, or simply seeking a community of like-minded individuals, PYCC is a place where you can create lasting memories and enjoy the best that Gulfport has to offer. As a hidden gem along Florida’s Gulf Coast, it continues to be a cherished destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Leave a Review

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

How Much is a Yacht Club Membership? 3 Common Price Ranges

The cost of an annual yacht club membership can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location of the club, the amenities offered, the exclusivity of the membership, and the size of the yacht being accommodated. We’ve compiled a set of guidelines below to help you estimate what you can expect to pay for an annual yacht club membership.

Local or Less Exclusive Yacht Clubs

These clubs might offer basic amenities such as docking facilities, a clubhouse, and some social events. Annual fees can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Membership fees could be as low as $500 to $2,000 per year.

Mid-Range Yacht Clubs:

These clubs may offer more extensive amenities, including high-quality dining facilities, repair and maintenance services, fitness centers, and a busy calendar of social and boating activities. Annual fees for these clubs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Prestigious or Exclusive Yacht Clubs

The most exclusive yacht clubs, often located in prime locations with extensive facilities and services, can have annual membership fees that are significantly higher. These can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more per year, with some of the most elite clubs costing even more. Additionally, these clubs might have initiation fees that can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It’s also important to note that many yacht clubs have additional costs beyond the annual membership dues. These can include initiation fees for new members, monthly minimum spending requirements at the club’s facilities, and additional fees for docking, storage, and maintenance services.

Additional Considerations

Some yacht clubs require yacht ownership as a prerequisite before being accepted into the club. Hence, while the yacht club membership itself might only be between $500 and $2,000, the true price of a yacht club membership might be tied to the cost of ownership of your yacht as well.

Bottom Line: Simply Ask If Interested

If you’re interested in joining a yacht club, make a list of yacht clubs that you might be interested in joining, and reach out to them via email or phone to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. Most yacht club members are quite friendly and are willing to help those who are interested in joining.

We wish you good luck in your yacht club search, and hope that you were able to find this article helpful.

Listing your boat with Yachtlify provides several unique benefits, including:

• List once, post on multiple platforms (Yachtlify.com, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and others).
• Schedule showings and sea trials with our calendar and reminders.
• View listing engagement analytics across platforms.
• eSign, state forms, and Coast Guard forms to manage closing documentation in once place.

• Instruction
• The Golf Shop
• Course Information
• Golf Course Maintenance
• Golf Dress Code
• Reciprocal Golf form
• Club History
• Resubscribe Form
• Marina & Yachting
• Health & Wellness Center
• 2024 Fitness Schedule
• Tennis & Pickle Ball
• Meet our Culinary Staff
• Reservations
• Dining Menus
• Clubhouse Dress Code
• Member Events
• Weddings & Event Bookings
• Pasadena Youth Activities
• Member Central
• Our Wild Side
• Golf Family  extends golf privileges to three or more golfers per family.
• ​​Golf  Couple  extends golf privileges to two golfers per family. 
• Golf Individual  extends golf privileges to one golfer per family.  Non-golf members of the family will have access and privileges to all club facilities (with the exception of golf privileges).   ​

Please fill out the form below to learn more about PYCC.  Click once only on 'submit' button.

Pasadena Yacht & Country club 6300 Pasadena Point Blvd Gulfport, FL  33707 ​

Pasadena Yacht & Country Club

Details about pasadena yacht & country club, gulfport, florida.

The Club, situated in southern Pinellas County, is centrally located minutes from the Gulf Beaches, Treasure Island, and downtown St. Petersburg. The property has a peaceful, open atmosphere with plenty of green space and abundant wildlife. With nearly 300 acres of sub-tropical landscaping, Pasadena residents enjoy a strong sense of community in an exclusive, luxurious environment. The course lies adjacent to Boca Ciega Bay bathed by refreshing bay breezes and stunning sunsets.

Pasadena Yacht and Country Club is a private club with traditional values and first-class amenities including golf, health club, heated Jr. Olympic swimming pool, 82-boat slip marina, tennis courts, and three dining areas. Adult & junior golf, swim, & tennis programs are offered year round.

Our long-standing tradition includes hosting a number of PGA and LPGA events. PYCC has been host to icons Arnold Palmer, Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Babe Ruth, and legendary LPGA founder Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Walter Hagen served as the first club professional during the early years of the club. The 18-hole Championship golf course was originally designed in the 1920’s by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek, and later renovated in the 1980’s by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. The current owners continue to update and improve the facilities. Pasadena Yacht & Country Club is once again one of the premier private courses in this area. 

Membership in Pasadena Yacht and Country Club is by invitation only. Members do not have to live in the community to belong to the Club.

Initiation: $2,501 – $10,000 Dues: $5,001 – $10,000 annually

Membership Types

Full Golf Membership, Sports Membership

Golf Amenities

Practice Range, Instruction, PGA Professionals on staff, Golf Shop, Men’s Invitational, Women’s Invitational, Men’s Day, Ladies Day, Couples Events, Group Play, Walking, Tee Time Structure, Beverage Cart, Snacks at the turn, Regular games for drop-in play, Group of single digit players

Located Near Beach or Lake: Yes Located Near Shopping and Dining: Yes Located Near Medical Facilities: Yes Located Near Commercial Airport: Yes Our Club is a Gated Community: Yes General Location: Tampa/St. Petersburg/Spring Hill, FL

Real Estate

The real estate market in and around this golf club has been fluid the past several months. Our suggestion is to connect with a local Golf Certified Real Estate Agent and request a market update and/or get the latest intel on available homes for sale that may have a golf membership attached.

Click Here to connect with a local Golf Certified Real Estate Agent for the latest real estate information in/around this club.

Social Activities

Boating, Book Club, Cards, Mahjong, Swimming, Trivia, Wine Tasting

Health & Wellness

Personal Trainers, Group Fitness, Weights, Cardio, Physical Therapy, Massage, Yoga/Pilates, Pickle Ball, Locker Room with showers, Towels and amenities

Casual Restaurant, Formal Dining, Kid Friendly, Banquet Service, Meeting Space, A la cart Service, Buffets, Recognized Chef, Beer Available, Liquor Available, Sports Bar, Wine Storage, Wine Variety

Lap Swimming, Pool F/B Service, Resort Style Pool

Tennis Professional on staff, Tournaments, League Play, Doubles Events, Lighted Tennis, Team Tennis

• Name * First Last
• Hidden Your Message
• Please make an introduction on my behalf to a Golf Certified Real Estate Agent who can provide me real estate and club information about this community
• Please Verify Your Request
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get in touch to learn more!

• Your Message *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• Visitor Information
• 2023 Regatta Schedule
• Race Notices and Sailing Instructions
• NORs & SIs
• Member Log In

The process of becoming a member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club involves the following:

• A prospective member must complete a written application for all classes of membership.
• He or she must be nominated as a candidate by four (4) stockholding members of the PCYC. Children of members may become Junior Members if they are sponsored by their parents and/or legal guardians. A proposed Junior member whose parents are not members must be sponsored by two Senior, Associate, or Intermediate Members.
• The written application must be signed by all four sponsors and returned the Membership Chairman. Please fill out the application in its entirety and provide references.
• The sponsors will be contacted to provide references on your suitability for Club membership. This procedure is intended to illustrate the relationship each sponsor has with each candidate.
• The entire membership is notified of the prospective member by posting his or her name and sponsors on the Club bulletin board and in club media. Members are asked to provide any information, objections or recommendations that could impact the proposal.
• The Board of Directors shall approve or disapprove the application.
• Once approved for membership and payment of dues, assessments, initiation fee and purchasing of a share of stock if applicable (required of senior members), the candidate will become a member of the PCYC.

Senior Members

• Must be over the age of 21.
• Must purchase a share of PCYC stock upon joining at this level

Associate Members

• Single, widowed, or divorced female.

Intermediate Members

• Married or unmarried men or women between the ages of 21 and 35.

Junior Members

• For ages 12-20 years old
• Must be sponsored by an adult member of the club.  This sponsorship must be renewed every year.

Non-resident Memberships

Military memberships.

• To be eligible for this membership class, he or she needs to have obtained their 28 th birthday and must be on active duty.  Membership is valid for a two year period from the date of Board approval.

Useful Links

Upcoming junior events.

Current Conditions

Contact us:.

Find golf prices in your city

How much does it cost to golf at Pasadena Yacht & Country Club?

Pasadena Yacht & Country Club is a private course available only to its members and their guests.

Pasadena Yacht & Country Club

Pasadena Yacht & Country Club is a

Please contact the clubhouse For membership rates & information

Have you golfed here?

http://local.gf/d5qcq Copy

6300 Pasadena Point Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, United States Gulfport, FL 33707

Call to Confirm Pricing & Book a Tee Time

(727) 381-7922

pyccgolf.com

Reviews of this course

No reviews at this time. be the first to review this golf course.

Celebrating 85 Sailing Seasons 1938-2023

This page is intended to become a repository of GYC history. If you have any information or photos, please send them to us! (You can share info in comments below — you will see it immediately, but others will not until it is approved by a moderator.)

From an article in the Tampa Bay Times :

Starting in 1936 when Karl Kleisch – later known as Charlie Allen – began a club in his home at Disston and Central. Gulfport Yacht Club later met in a World War I building at the Gulfport Basin next to the smoldering city dump. The basin had two mangrove islands with a resident alligator. When the islands were dredged, it attracted sand sharks. One man speared 120 sharks in an afternoon.

Another history perspective on GYC was in the publication “Southwinds” in 2007. ( Link here , copy below.)

Carl and Cleo Kleisch were tired of driving their daughter across St. Petersburg to Big Bayou to sail her Moth.

Their two sons sailed along with a dozen other homemade boats on Lower Boca Ciega Bay near Gulfport. But there was no organized activity. So they all got together in their living room and started Gulfport Yacht Club in August 1938.

For several years, various homes were used. Sometimes Bert Mann’s boat repair shop was put into service, among the wood shavings, mullet net drying racks and lye vat.

Shovels were used to widen the small natural channel from the bay into a spur of Clam Bayou. It later became the entrance to the Gulfport Marina.

During WW II, most of the members were posted overseas.

In 1946, a surplus army building was bought and assembled on pilings over the channel. Members fashioned curtains, painted sailing murals above the windows and a big cistern was installed for the lone head.

The first official lease from the city of Gulfport was in 1952. Soon it was decided to move the building across the sand road to better use the waterfront. A wood-piling hoist was purchased from Sunshine City Boat Club in St. Pete, and wet slips were made by hand-digging and then jetting pilings into the muck with a garden hose.

At that time, there were two mangrove islands in the Gulfport basin with alligators roaming. The sand road would have a foot of water over it at spring tides. The city made the area a brush site, and the practice of the day was to burn it. There are a few old-timers today with lung issues from breathing that smoke.

The club has always been oriented toward racing. The Memorial Day regatta was the big event starting in the early 1950s. Nobody thought about charging an entry fee then.

The club saved up all year to put on the event. The 1957 regatta cost $77.62 for food, trophies, gas for the RC boat and incidentals.

The 1959 regatta had 109 entries. Boats included Windmill, Snipe, Y-Flyer, Suicide, Flying Dutchman, Moth, Pram. Boats with sail area under 150 square feet and those over 150 square feet classes to lump everyone else. My second-place trophy on the wall is a plywood plaque with a ply boat, aluminum sails and hand-painted letters and burgee.

The Flying Dutchman class practiced on the bay preparing for the 1960 Olympic Trails. John Jennings, Gene Hinkel, Dutch and Jim Pardee, Barbara Tolson and Frank Levinson were there. Bruce Ellis’ Suicide boat was added to the mix to increase competition.

By the 1960s, there were several skilled racers sailing at GYC. The Windmill was a big class with Walter Most, Dennis and Betty Lu Snell and Dave Posey winning regattas.

Three Y-Flyers were built out of plywood by Doc MacLellan, Al Snell and Howard Snyder. They were heavier than the new glass boats, so they extended the mast and boom and put huge sails on the boat.

For local handicapping, an arbitrary number was given.

If a boat won a race, it was docked a handicap number. If it came in last, it was bumped. One sailor managed to come in last in a number of small events and then won the big local event with ease.

By the 1960s Gulfport Yacht Club members were winning a disproportionate number of trophies at regattas throughout the Tampa Bay area.

There was a junior club but only one decent Pram and no coaching. It usually ended up fourth or fifth in events dominated in those years by St. Petersburg Yacht Club juniors.

Once a junior was sailing his pram into the Gulfport Basin when he noticed a puff of black smoke coming from the south side of the big metal Osgood Marine Ways building at the end of the point. Quickly pulling the boat up the beach and running to the GYC building, he grabbed the phone only to have someone on the party line. No amount of persuasion would make the adults on the line believe the fire story. So he jumped on his bike and rode the seven blocks to Orion Osgood’s house. Osgood jumped in his car to investigate. But by then the landmark and boats within were fully engulfed, done in by oily rags on the sunny side of the building.

In 1960, it was time to move away from the city dump.

A spot on a silted lagoon on the other side of the channel was leased from the city for a dollar a year. Much work was done on the lagoon and shoreline. A block building was built by members and a bunch of old Navy Sea Bees. A dozen wet slips were dug for small keelboats. Like most local clubs, there was a slowing of sailing during the 1970s. But during the following decade more activity ensued, including the Windmill Midwinters.

A few active members sailed catamarans, including early A-Cats. The club embraced multihull sailing while many clubs shunned the type. Today GYC is one of the most active catamaran sailing clubs in the country. Fleets of modern A-Cats, Formula 16s, Hobies, NACRAs and others can be seen practicing on the bay and competing twice a month on Saturday afternoons.

The Area D South Alter Cup will be staged there again this year, and in April, the US SAILING Alter Cup finals will be out of GYC. The city of Gulfport, once a tough fishermen’s town, has become quite artsy and welcomes the visiting sailors. A large portion of the fine public beach has been used for major catamaran events.

This is truly a sailor’s club. No bar, no pool, no hoist any longer, a portable barbecue, a refrigerator and his and hers heads is it. But you will find more catamaran sailing than anywhere else on one of the most idyllic sailing bays in the country.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.