detroit yacht club photos membership cost

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

Answered by Marvin Ayala

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

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

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

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

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

The Detroit Yacht Club is trying to shed its stuffy image

Walking into the men’s locker room of the Detroit Yacht Club in 2014 for the first time, Colin Knapp’s friend pointed to the forest-green benches that spanned the length of the room.

“Just imagine the butts that have sat on those benches,” he said.

It’s impossible to count every derriere. But outside the locker room, the litany of visitors once included the Fords and the Dodges; the Crown Prince Harald V of Norway and the King of Sweden. (The late actor Charlton Heston was once supposedly turned away from a haircut with the club’s barber). Nowadays, the trained eye might spot the faces of General Motors executives, or Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who members said recently tucked into a lunch with friends.

But Knapp wasn’t a car executive or aspiring young politico. He was a 22-year-old organist fresh out of the University of Michigan, new to Detroit, jobless. He’d never been on a yacht in his life.

“The whole concept of a private club was new to me,” he said. “I also assumed it was unattainable for me to become a member … I was nervous, you know, would my background be suitable for a place like this?”

But Knapp is the kind of person that the DYC, now in its 150th year, is hoping to lure to its 93,000-square-foot clubhouse on Belle Isle. Through its reduced-fee “intermediate” membership, which starts at $60 a month for the under 35 crowd, the club is aiming to revamp its numbers and cultivate an image outside the stuffy boat club stereotype.

Economic trouble

As a kid growing up in the 1950s, Ed Theisen gallivanted around friends’ boats, watched movie screenings on Sunday nights and sat through meals with his great-aunt and uncle. It was quintessential childhood, he said.

But the 71-year-old Theisen has also seen the club hit rock bottom. From a peak of about 3,000 members in the 1920s, when Detroit was the fourth-largest city in the country, the club currently clocks in at 800.

And that’s a big improvement. Even though the DYC’s sprawling property – and some of its well-to-do members – seem nestled in a far-off cocoon, the club was never completely immune to Detroit’s economic difficulties.

Some members dropped out because they couldn’t afford it, others because they had fled Detroit altogether.

“The membership was for years going down and down and down, and that was because of the political climate in the city,” Theisen said. “People in the suburbs did not want to drive down to the club, or drive down to Belle Isle, which was considered a ‘black park.’”

Another wave of members disappeared during the financial crisis of 2008 and Detroit’s bankruptcy. But the few times the DYC has come close to closing — nearly a century apart in 1932 and 2014 — members always came up with the money to save it, Theisen said.

Now the DYC is debt-free and ready to tap into the influx of cash and people to the downtown area. And that means appealing to a wide range of tastes.

While Theisen said he’s nostalgic about the 1950s and the stories of turn-of-the-century Detroit that were passed down to him, the club can’t look back.

“What can I say? It was a different world,” Theisen said.

The 'yacht club stereotype'

Attracting Detroiters to the DYC, whether they’re new to the city or not, means overcoming the “yacht club stereotype.” And part of that comes down to who exactly is welcomed to a private club.

The first thing is, well, yachts. A little more than a third of the DYC are boating members who pay $390 per month for the privilege to dock their boat at the club, plus the annual cost of the boat slip. (Non-boating social members over the age of 35 pay $365). And boating is the reason the club ultimately exists: it hosts a formal junior sailing program, several century-old regattas, weekly off-the-dock sailing races, an adult sailing program and the annual Gold Cup championship race.

Still, it's frustrating that people see owning a boat as the only reason to join the club, said past commodore Ray Batt.

“It’s a much more comfortable, friendly, welcoming environment than most people think when they hear ‘yacht club,’” Batt said.

That hasn’t always been the case. Until the 1950s, there was just one female member who had taken over her late husband's membership, said Theisen. The first black member was accepted in 1971 — two years after the city threatened the club with eviction from Belle Isle in a dispute centered around its all-white membership.

Joining requires a “sponsor” from someone already in the club, plus four more signatures, a process that critics said kept people out. A 1974 settlement required that the club always have at least five black members.

“It was unofficial,” Theisen said of the club’s discrimination. “And that was sad. In our early days, we had Jewish members, and then all of a sudden after 1910 until 1950, we had no Jewish members.”

The DYC doesn’t keep track of its members by race now. But the attitude about who should be allowed to join has progressed tenfold, Theisen said.

Overall, the club is still primarily white but becoming more diverse, said Knapp, who joined the summer after his first 2014 visit.

That year marked a turning point for the LGBT community, too: Knapp was among the first openly gay young people at the club. Then-membership director Lena Angott pushed to grow the LGBT community, and although a few "dinosaurs" resisted, she said, the reception was overwhelmingly positive.

A poolside romance turned into a long-term relationship with Knapp's boyfriend.

“I forget about that part – I met the love of my life at the Detroit Yacht Club,” Knapp said.

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The death of social clubs?

Other longstanding social organizations, from the Loyal Order of the Moose to motorcycle clubs, have also grappled with declining membership for years.

The Masons hit its lowest point ever in 2017 , with about 1.1 million members nationally as opposed to about 4 million in the 1960s. The phenomenon even serves as the premise for "Lodge 49," a sitcom about an ex-surfer who joins an ailing fraternal organization and, at one point, discovers a mummified body in the basement.

Now Detroit's exclusive city clubs are being forced to revamp, too.

In March, the Detroit Club in downtown was reborn with renovations that included a basement-turned-spa, new guest bedrooms and a cigar bar. A craft cocktail bar and "art and wine" series will also launch in coming weeks to give people a more modern experience, said Angott, who now serves as membership director at the Detroit Club.

The Detroit Athletic Club, near the Opera House, has survived unscathed, as have suburban spots like the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

But most other hallowed Detroit spaces didn't make it. The University Club declared bankruptcy in the 1990s. The Recess Club, the Standard Club and the Renaissance Club also remain shuttered.

One issue is clubs' reliance on traditions, Angott said, which can create a generational gap.

"I can tell you every event that's going to happen next year," Angott said of the DYC, adding, "Their traditions are beautiful, but it lends itself to an older crowd ... It makes it a little harder to attract the younger member, because in general, they love the pool and the tiki bar. And then it makes it a little tougher to keep them in the winter."

But the biggest challenge clubs face today is their exclusive origins, said Randy McBee, a professor of history at Texas Tech University who has written two books on American social organizations. Whether a working-class ethnic club of the early 20th century or a country club, members tend to bond over a shared identity that, at its core, bars others.

"It’s not just, 'It happens to be all-male or all-white,'" McBee said. "But at the root of it, it’s 'We don’t want to hang out at the park, because there’s all those other people there we don’t want to hang out with, so we have this other place.'"

That creates a catch-22: The exclusivity that makes a club attractive to one core group can also make it difficult for it to stay afloat when that group dwindles. But if a club tries to cater to everyone, McBee said, it may struggle to foster friendships based on shared values.

"It’s an odd thing these days in the midst of gender equity and equality conversations, especially with the MeToo movement," McBee said. "To what extent can we revive these things that have been based around excluding people?"

The new members

For its part, the DYC still wants the “who’s who” of the city to dine at the club and do business under the radar, Batt said. But it also wants to create an oasis for younger people and families.

Knapp, now 27, felt that the outdoor pool, sports courts and cheap membership justified joining the club. He works in development at the Detroit Opera House, and the $60 fee was about the same as joining a gym, he said.

He quickly made friends with members ranging from young working people in their 20s to grandparents in their 80s. The environment doesn’t feel buttoned-up at all, Knapp said.

“Lots of judgment can happen at a private club,” he said. “The DYC, absolutely everybody is welcome as they are, and we will all party together.”

Knapp isn’t alone in that feeling. Over an eighth of the DYC's members are in the intermediate category, and the club has developed a range of activities that appeals to different tastes: A “metro” club-within-the-club attracts young people in the city; as does the biking club, while there’s also more traditional groups like reading and opera lovers.

From Memorial Day to October, people show up in droves to sip drinks poolside at the tiki bar and watch the weekly bandshell concerts.

“While there’s a profound respect for tradition at the club, there’s also an acknowledgment and the reality that ... you can’t let tradition make you irrelevant to your members and your prospective members,” Batt said.

Of course, some traditions are here to stay. There's the annual Sweepstakes Regatta (since 1892), the Memorial Day Regatta (1915), the Christmastime Commodore’s coffee hour (1925) and the Memorial Day service (1948). And if you accidentally wear a regular suit to the winter black tie Officers' Ball — which hasn't missed a year since 1877 — you'll never make the same mistake again, Theisen said.

For Knapp, the club feels like a connection to Detroit’s past as much as a place to play.

“You go to the end of our little island and see the skyline of downtown,” Knapp said. “Looking at the east riverfront, Detroit is very much — it’s our setting.”

Contact Fiona Kelliher at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @fiona_kelliher.

How much does a membership at the Detroit Yacht Club cost?

The 'yacht club stereotype' A little more than a third of the DYC are boating members who pay $390 per month for the privilege to dock their boat at the club, plus the annual cost of the boat slip. (Non-boating social members over the age of 35 pay $365).

How much does it cost to be a member of the Detroit Athletic club?

Resident members, those with voting rights, pay an entrance fee of $3,500 and $337 monthly dues . Women, who were finally allowed as members in 1986, now make up roughly 12 percent of membership, according to the DAC News. What do you wear to the Detroit Yacht Club? A dress code applies throughout the Clubhouse. Boating and casual attire is permitted on the first and third floors. In the Front Lobby and on the second floor, a sport jacket or suit and tie are required for gentlemen, with women appropriately dressed. Bathing suits are permitted outside and in the locker rooms.

How many members does DYC have?

From a peak of about 3,000 members in the 1920s, when Detroit was the fourth-largest city in the country, DYC currently has about 800 , the Free Press reported. Also, when was the detroit yacht club built? 1868 The Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868 , is the largest and one of the oldest most prestigious private Clubs in North America. The current DYC clubhouse, located on a private island along the banks of the Belle Isle Park in Detroit, is of Mediterranean design and was completed by George Mason in 1922.

In respect to this, can you stay at the detroit athletic club?

Our Luxury Queen Suites feature a queen sized bed nestled in a 300 square foot room in our club . Each suite boast a city view, smart TV, minibar, private washroom with a stand-up shower with bathrooms and slippers to relax in . Keeping this in consideration, who owns the detroit club? Emre and Lynn Uralli The 40,000-square-foot historic Detroit Club at Cass Avenue and Fort Street is about 95 percent of the way through a multimillion-dollar overhaul by its owners, husband and wife Emre and Lynn Uralli .

What should I wear to the DAC?

DRESS CODE: Professional Business Attire is required for ladies and gentlemen 12 years of age and older in main lobby, carpeted area of the Grill Room and all banquet and meeting rooms. Casual Attire is permitted in the brick area of the Grill Room and Abbey. No Denim allowed. Regarding this, can you wear jeans on a yacht? While yacht club attire can vary by club and time of day of the event, there are certain items that just won't do. You should always avoid the following: Denim .

Thereof, what do you wear to a yacht club interview?

Wear a clean, crisp white polo shirt or t-shirt with beige or navy trousers or skirt.
Wear your hair up and neat and tidy.
Look natural, leaving heavy make up at home.
Have clean, shaped nails and be well groomed.
Convey resilience, commitment and team spirit.

detroit yacht club photos membership cost

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Founded shortly after the Civil War, the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), housed in the beautifully restored 1920s Mediterranean style villa, continues to be one of the largest yacht clubs in the United States.

The 1920s were golden days for the DYC. Gar Wood brought the club world class attention with his world speed records in a hydroplane and his Gold Cup victories. During the Great Depression, membership at the club severely dropped and some services were discontinued.

By 1946 the Club became debt free and the women of the club formed the first women’s sailing organization in the country and raced the Club’s catboats. During the 1950’s the Grill and River Vista were enlarged, movie equipment was installed in the ballroom so that theater quality films could be shown every Sunday evening and a little later, an outdoor Olympic size pool was added along with Front and West Docks to increase the number of boat wells to over 350.

Today the DYC offers a wide range of activities to ensure there is something for everyone.

Detroit Yacht Club Seeks to Shed Stuffy Image

By Joe Barks | December 5, 2018

(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

The 150-year-old club with a 93,000-sq. ft. clubhouse on the city’s Belle Isle just south of downtown Detroit is trying to attract new members through its reduced-fee “intermediate” membership, which starts at $60 a month for the under-35 crowd. Other steps are also being taken to overcome the “yacht club stereotype.”

The history of the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), now in its 150th year, includes a litany of visitors that once included legendary names like Ford and Dodge from the city’s automotive families, as well as Crown Prince Harald V of Norway and the King of Sweden, the Detroit Free Press reported. The late actor Charlton Heston was once supposedly turned away from a haircut with the club’s barber, the Free Press noted.

Nowadays, the Free Press reported, General Motors executives or Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan can be spotted in the club’s 93,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse on Belle Isle, the island park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead that is south of downtown in the Detroit River.

But even with all of its tradition, the Free Press reported, DYC is now aiming to revamp its numbers and cultivate an image outside the stuffy “boat club” stereotype, by trying to attract new members through its reduced-fee “intermediate” membership, which starts at $60 a month for the under-35 crowd.

From a peak of about 3,000 members in the 1920s, when Detroit was the fourth-largest city in the country, DYC currently has about 800, the Free Press reported.

And that’s a big improvement. Even though the DYC’s sprawling property—and some of its well-to-do members—seem nestled in a far-off cocoon, the club was never completely immune to Detroit’s economic difficulties, the Free Press reported. Some members dropped out because they couldn’t afford it, and others because they had fled Detroit altogether.

“The membership was for years going down and down and down, and that was because of the political climate in the city,” 71-year-old Ed Theisen, who remembers going to the club as a kid in the 1950s for boat rides with friends, movie screenings on Sunday nights and meals with his great-aunt and uncle, told the Free Press .

“People in the suburbs did not want to drive down to the club, or drive down to Belle Isle, which was considered a ‘black park.’ ” Theisen said.

Another wave of members disappeared during the financial crisis of 2008 and Detroit’s bankruptcy, the Free Press reported. But the few times the DYC has come close to closing—nearly a century apart in 1932 and 2014—members always came up with the money to save it, Theisen said.

Now the DYC is debt-free and ready to tap into the influx of cash and people that have been part of the revival of downtown Detroit, the Free Press reported. And that means appealing to a wide range of tastes and overcoming the “yacht club stereotype” that includes making clear you don’t have a boat or enjoy boating to take advantage of what the club has to offer.

A little more than a third of those who now belong to the DYC, the Free Press reported, are boating members who pay $390 per month for the privilege to dock their boat at the club, plus the annual cost of the boat slip. (Non-boating social members over the age of 35 pay $365). And boating is still the reason the club ultimately exists: it hosts a formal junior sailing program, several century-old regattas, weekly off-the-dock sailing races, an adult sailing program and the annual Gold Cup championship race.

Still, it’s frustrating that people see owning a boat as the only reason to join the club, Ray Batt, a past Commodore at the club, told the Free Press .

“It’s a much more comfortable, friendly, welcoming environment than most people think when they hear ‘yacht club,’ ” Batt said.

That hasn’t always been the case, the Free Press noted. Until the 1950s, there was just one female member, who had taken over her late husband’s membership, according to Theisen. The first black member was accepted in 1971—two years after the city threatened the club with eviction from Belle Isle in a dispute centered around its all-white membership.

Joining requires a “sponsor” from someone already in the club, plus four more signatures, a process that critics said kept people out, the Free Press reported. A 1974 settlement required that the club always have at least five black members.

The DYC doesn’t keep track of its members by race now, the Free Press reported. But the attitude about who should be allowed to join has progressed tenfold, Theisen said.

Overall, added Colin Knapp, who joined after first visiting the DYC in 2014, the club is still primarily white, but becoming more diverse,

Knapp wasn’t a car executive or aspiring young politico when he joined the DYC, the Free Press reported. He was a 22-year-old organist fresh out of the University of Michigan, new to Detroit and jobless. He’d never been on a yacht in his life.

“The whole concept of a private club was new to me,” Knapp told the Free Press . “I also assumed it was unattainable for me to become a member.

“I was nervous, you know, would my background be suitable for a place like this?” added Knapp, referring to his being among the first openly gay young people at the club.

Lena Angott, then the club’s Membership Director, had pushed to expand membership recruitment efforts to attract those from the LGBT community to the DYC as part of the efforts to revive the club’s fortunes, the Free Press reported. And although a few “dinosaurs” resisted that, Angott said, the reception was overwhelmingly positive.

The changes at the DYC reflect what has been done at other exclusive city clubs in Detroit, the Free Press reported. Earlier this year, the Detroit Club in downtown, where Angott is now the Membership Director, was reborn with renovations that included a basement-turned-spa, new guest bedrooms and a cigar bar. A craft cocktail bar and “art and wine” series will also launch in coming weeks to give people a more modern experience, Angott said.

The Detroit Athletic Club and suburban clubs like the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club are also thriving because of changes they’ve made to stay up-to-date, vibrant and relevant, the Free Press noted, but many other hallowed Detroit spaces didn’t make it. The University Club declared bankruptcy in the 1990s, and The Recess Club, the Standard Club and the Renaissance Club also remain shuttered.

When clubs rely too much on tradition, Angott told the Free Press , it can create a generational gap.

“I can tell you every event that’s going to happen next year,” Angott said of some clubs that haven’t effectively changes with the times, “Their traditions are beautiful, but it lends itself to an older crowd. It makes it a little harder to attract the younger member, because in general, they love the pool and the tiki bar. And then it makes it a little tougher to keep them in the winter.”

The biggest challenge clubs face today is their exclusive origins, Randy McBee, a professor of history at Texas Tech University who has written two books on American social organizations, told the Free Press . Whether It was at a working-class ethnic club of the early 20th century or a country club of today, members tend to bond over a shared identity that, at its core, bars others, McBee said.

“It’s not just, ‘It happens to be all-male or all-white,’ ” he added. “But at the root of it, it’s ‘We don’t want to hang out at the park, because there’s all those other people there we don’t want to hang out with, so we have this other place.'”

That creates a catch-22, McBee continued. The exclusivity that makes a club attractive to one core group can also make it difficult for it to stay afloat when that group dwindles. But if a club tries to cater to everyone, it may struggle to foster friendships based on shared values.

“It’s an odd thing these days in the midst of gender equity and equality conversations, especially with the MeToo movement,” McBee said. “To what extent can we revive these things that have been based around excluding people?”

For its part, the DYC still wants the “who’s who” of the city to dine at the club and do business under the radar, Batt, its past Commodore, told the Free Press . But it also wants to create an oasis for younger people and families.

He quickly made friends at the DYC with members ranging from young working people in their 20s to grandparents in their 80s, he told the Free Press . The environment doesn’t feel buttoned-up at all, he said.

“Lots of judgment can happen at a private club,” he said. “The DYC, absolutely everybody is welcome as they are, and we will all party together.”

Knapp isn’t alone in that feeling, the Free Press reported. Over an eighth of the DYC’s members are in the intermediate category, and the club has developed a range of activities that appeals to different tastes. A “metro” club-within-the-club attracts young people in the city, as does the biking club, while there are also more traditional groups like reading and opera lovers.

From Memorial Day to October, the Free Press reported, people show up in droves at the DYC to sip drinks poolside at the tiki bar and watch the weekly bandshell concerts.

“While there’s a profound respect for tradition at the club, there’s also an acknowledgment and the reality that you can’t let tradition make you irrelevant to your members and your prospective members,” Batt said.

Some of the traditions are clearly here to stay, the Free Press reported, such as the annual Sweepstakes Regatta (since 1892), the Memorial Day Regatta (1915), the Christmastime Commodore’s coffee hour (1925) and the Memorial Day service (1948). And if you accidentally wear a regular suit to the winter black-tie Officers’ Ball—which hasn’t missed a year since 1877—you’ll never make the same mistake again, Theisen said.

For Knapp, the club feels like a connection to Detroit’s past as much as a place to play, the Free Press reported.

“You go to the end of our little island and see the skyline of downtown,” Knapp said. “Looking at the east riverfront, Detroit is very much — it’s our setting.”

About The Author

Joe Barks contributes to Club & Resort Business magazine working out of Wayne, Pa. (suburban Philadelphia). He has been covering the club and resort industry since the launch of C&RB in April 2005 and during that time has written cover-story profiles of over 150 club and resort properties, as well as many additional articles about specific aspects of club management and profiles of leading club managers. Barks has been a writer and editor for specialized business publications for over 40 years, covering a wide variety of industries and professional disciplines over the course of his career. He is a four-time winner of Jesse H. Neal Awards from the American Business Press, known as the “Pulitzer Prizes” for industry trade publications. He has also been a freelance contributor to many leading national consumer and business publications, and served as Marketing Manager for the Hay Group, a leading worldwide management consulting firm. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

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Detroit Yacht Club: A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Community

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

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

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

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

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

MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Welcome to bayview yacht club, one of the most storied and historical sailing clubs in the nation. founded in 1915 in a small boathouse on motorboat lane, bayview moved to our current location at 100 clairpointe street in 1935. in june of 2021 bayview completed a state of the art 12,791 square foot, $5 million clubhouse featuring multiple restaurants, two bars, flexible banquet space, and a second story deck for outdoor dining. the clubhouse takes full advantage of the water’s edge location with panoramic views of belle isle, downtown detroit, and canada. our new clubhouse has been specifically designed as a first-class venue to promote daily camaraderie, the expansion of membership, and the sport of sailing. membership advantages.

Award winning, world class junior sailing program
Competitive racing opportunities from fun local fleets to world championship regattas
Cruising activities with organized outings for all skill levels to local and regional destinations
Spectacular range of dining and bar facilities
Wine Dinners, Seminars, and Special Events to engage members year round
Reciprocal club membership opportunities

Membership Application Process

Membership categories are based on sailing experience and age. if you are an experienced sailor, you may apply for membership in the class that is appropriate to your age. prospective members with limited or no sailing experience may apply as a supporting member starting at the age of 27. supporting membership carries all rights of active membership with the exception of voting, election to a board of governors position, and seasonal well rental while allowing the member to gain valuable sailing experience that will qualify them for active membership in the future. approval of membership requires endorsement by three current bayview members as well as two current board members. if you are not acquainted with any bayview members, not to worry - our membership committee will work with you to make introductions. bayview yacht club has a wonderful facility, an incredible membership and staff that encourage and foster interest in all aspects of sailing. if you would like to be a part of the tradition, and are ready to apply, please complete our byc prospective member sailing background questionnaire ., still have some questions contact us using the form below and someone from our membership team will follow up with you promptly..

Communications & Membership Manager

313-822-1853 ext. 100

Jeff Putnam

Detroit Yacht Club Foundation | One Riverbank Rd Detroit, MI 48207 | (313) 757-5240

In addition to its primary mission to restore and preserve the historic clubhouse of the Detroit Yacht Club, the DYC Foundation also provides educational opportunities for the public to visit and learn about this unique and architecturally significant structure on Belle Isle. Free public tours are offered on scheduled dates each year. Tour availability is publicized in various media, and reservations are made using Eventbrite.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic’s social distancing and other restrictions, no tours are currently scheduled. Once circumstances change so that tours can be safely offered, we will announce a limited schedule.

The photos below provide some representative interior views of the historic 1922 clubhouse.

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The Detroit Yacht Club, located on Belle Isle, which lies on the Detroit River, Michigan, is the perfect venue to create your memorable moment. Welcome your guests to our historic clubhouse, filled with intriguing artistic treasures and stunning architectural details. For up to 350 guests, our professional staff is ready to help bring your event to life!

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Quality of service 4.8 out of 5 rating 4.8
Average response time 4.6 out of 5 rating 4.6
Professionalism 4.7 out of 5 rating 4.7
Value 4.8 out of 5 rating 4.8
Flexibility 4.6 out of 5 rating 4.6

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One of the most beautiful places in Detroit to have a wedding. Very professional staff! Very versatile space that can be set up in lost of fun and interesting ways!

Beautiful venue and professional staff! We would definitely recommend to our clients for bridal showers and other events!

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Detroit Yacht Club

Historic Detroit

Every building in detroit has a story — we're here to share it, detroit yacht club, by dan austin, historicdetroit.org.

The Detroit Yacht Club has had five homes since being formed shortly after the Civil War, but it is its current home that gives it the largest yacht club clubhouse in the United States.

There were earlier yacht clubs in the city, including the Peninsular Yacht Club, which was founded in 1858 or 1859 as the first yacht club in Detroit. That was followed by the International Yacht Club in 1867 or 1873 (sources disagree), which lasted until 1877. The pre-motor Motor City was in need of a new club to fill that gap.

The DYC was organized on May 30, 1878. Samuel Cowan was named commodore; C.W. Ives vice-commodore; O.W. Baker president; E.H. Telfer vice president; George Newberry secretary; and S.H. Ives treasurer. The officers decided to celebrate by holding a regatta on the Detroit River that July 4 (though the event was delayed by a day on account of weather).

"This club is composed of the best yachtmen in Detroit and vicinity, and is a happy combination of experience, as represented by the older members, and enthusiasm and energy as shown by the younger sailors," the Detroit Free Press wrote July 6, 1870, while covering that first regatta.

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

That was replaced with a clubhouse on Belle Isle that was built for $10,000 in 1891. It was lost in a fire in 1904. That facility was replaced by another clubhouse that was built atop the old one.

But with Detroit's growing wealth came a growing membership in the DYC, and an even bigger facility was needed. The cornerstone for the present, villa-style clubhouse was held April 22, 1922. The building opened the following year and cost $1 million (about $12 million in today's dollars) to build. Its design was entrusted to George D. Mason, the same man who built the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and the Masonic Temple , Gem Theatre and several churches in Detroit. Mason also is considered the mentor of legendary architect Albert Kahn.

By the year after the new clubhouse had opened, membership in the club had reached 3,000, and racing legend Gar Wood brought attention to the DYC by setting world speed records and by winning Gold Cups.

The DYC was hit hard by the Depression, but bounced back and underwent several expansions in the 1950s and '60s, including new docks that boosted the number of boat wells to more than 350.

Today, the DYC continues to thrive, and its clubhouse continues to impress.

IMAGES

Membership
Detroit Yacht Club Photograph by Dawn Flannery
Home
Detroit Yacht Club: A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Community
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Boating

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Fundraiser for Detroit families building stability

COMMENTS

Membership
Detroit Yacht Club Membership is available in the following categories: Active - Age 34 and above - Non Boating - Social. Active Boating - Age 34 and above - Boating eligible. Intermediate Membership in 3 categories (Boating and Non Boating available) Age 21-25. Age 26-29. Age 30-33. Junior - Age 21-25, Son or Daughter of a current ...
Behind the gates of Detroit's exclusive boat clubs
Grosse Pointe Yacht Club was once ranked the top yacht club in the country and currently sits in the top five. Membership, of course, does not come cheap. A social membership requires an ...
FAQ
While the fees vary depending on the type of membership you are considering, the ongoing cost of membership is in line with other club communities. For specific pricing information and a better understanding of the value in a Detroit Yacht Club Membership, please contact our Membership Office at 313-824-2788 or email the Director of Sales ...
How much does it cost to join the Detroit yacht club?
Joining the Detroit Yacht Club as a boating member can cost $390 per month, plus the annual cost of the boat slip. Non-boating social members over the age of 35 pay a slightly lower fee of $365 per month. Welcome to TheBrassie.com, where the fairway meets your screen! We're your go-to spot for living and breathing the wonderful world of golf.
Detroit Yacht Club tries to shed its stuffy image
The Detroit Yacht Club is trying to shed its stuffy image. Fiona Kelliher. Detroit Free Press. 0:00. 1:00. Walking into the men's locker room of the Detroit Yacht Club in 2014 for the first time ...
How much does a membership at the Detroit Yacht Club cost?
How much does it cost to be a member of the Detroit Athletic club? Resident members, those with voting rights, pay an entrance fee of $3,500 and $337 monthly dues. Women, who were finally allowed as members in 1986, now make up roughly 12 percent of membership, according to the DAC News. What do you wear to the Detroit Yacht Club?
Home
Your Resort in the City Detroit Yacht Club. Founded in 1868, the Detroit Yacht Club has been providing excellent service to Members in the Detroit Metropolitan area for over 150 years.With 60% of members in the Non Boating category the Club offers a full complement of social, business, fitness, and a wide range of member events for individuals and families.
Detroit Yacht Club
The Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) ... DYC is a member of the Detroit Regional Yacht-racing Association (DRYA). History. Detroit Yacht Club House, c. 1894. ... The original Belle Isle clubhouse was built at a cost of $10,000 (with a further $2,000 for furnishings) in 1891, but burned down in 1904. A new facility was quickly built at the same site. ...
DETROIT YACHT CLUB
Specialties: The Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868, is the largest and one of the oldest most prestigious private Clubs in North America. The Detroit Yacht Club has been the center of Detroit society since opening its doors and continues a proud tradition and a strong commitment to excellence and quality service to members. Our members and their guests enjoy a first class dining experience ...
Detroit Yacht Club
Detroit Yacht Club, Detroit, Michigan. 9,826 likes · 73 talking about this · 77,788 were here. Beautifully decorated for the holidays, call to arrange a visit! Detroit Yacht Club | Detroit MI
Detroit Yacht Club
Founded shortly after the Civil War, the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), housed in the beautifully restored 1920s Mediterranean style villa, continues to be one of the largest yacht clubs in the United States.The 1920s were golden days for the DYC. Gar Wood brought the club world class attention with his world speed records in a hydroplane and his Gold Cup victories.
Detroit Yacht Club
The Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) was founded in 1868 as prosperous Detroit residents sought to enjoy sailing on their river and in the two adjoining Great Lakes. ... In the 1880s, the membership was riven, and one group decided to split and formed the Michigan Yacht Club. The DYC continued and, in 1891, built their first clubhouse on Belle Isle ...
Detroit Yacht Club Seeks to Shed Stuffy Image
The 150-year-old club with a 93,000-sq. ft. clubhouse on the city's Belle Isle just south of downtown Detroit is trying to attract new members through its reduced-fee "intermediate" membership, which starts at $60 a month for the under-35 crowd. Other steps are also being taken to overcome the "yacht club stereotype.".
About
The Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868, is the largest and one of the oldest most prestigious private Clubs in North America. ... Detroit Yacht Club Membership Learn More Today. Club Facilities. ... The first clubhouse was erected on Belle Isle in 1891 at a cost of $10,000, with an additional $2,000 spent on furnishings. It was destroyed by ...
Detroit Yacht Club: A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Community
May 25, 2023 by LookUpDalton. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Belle Isle Park in the heart of Detroit, the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime history. Established in 1868, the DYC is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. Over the years, it has become an iconic ...
Detroit Yacht Club Reviews
Detroit Yacht Club. Detroit, MI 4.7 42 Reviews. View more information. We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease. 4.7 Very good. 94% recommend it. 4.8. 4.6.
Join Us
Membership. Welcome to Bayview Yacht Club, one of the most storied and historical sailing clubs in the nation. Founded in 1915 in a small boathouse on Motorboat Lane, Bayview moved to our current location at 100 Clairpointe Street in 1935. In June of 2021 Bayview completed a state of the art 12,791 square foot, $5 million clubhouse featuring ...
Detroit Yacht Club
Detroit Yacht Club. Detroit Boat Club as seen from Lakeside Dr. Photo by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org. Backside of the Detroit Yacht Club.
PDF Detroit Yacht Club
Membership Categories: Active (Dues) Active - $239 p/month Active Boating - $269 p/month Intermediate Age Groups 21-25 - $43.00 p/month 26-29 - $81.00 p/month 30-33 - $157.00 p/month Military, Clergy and Non-resident memberships are available. ~~~n WWW.DYC.COM B WWW.DYC.COM e. The Detroit Yacht Club. The Detroit Yacht Club
Tours
Detroit Yacht Club Foundation | One Riverbank Rd Detroit, MI 48207 | (313) 757-5240. Home. About Us. Tours. Consider A Gift. Contact Us. Governance. More ... The photos below provide some representative interior views of the historic 1922 clubhouse. ©2022 Detroit Yacht Club Foundation ...
Detroit Yacht Club
On WeddingWire since 2007. The Detroit Yacht Club, located on Belle Isle, which lies on the Detroit River, Michigan, is the perfect venue to create your memorable moment. Welcome your guests to our historic clubhouse, filled with intriguing artistic treasures and stunning architectural details. For up to 350 guests, our professional staff is ...
Detroit Yacht Club
There were earlier yacht clubs in the city, including the Peninsular Yacht Club, which was founded in 1858 or 1859 as the first yacht club in Detroit. That was followed by the International Yacht Club in 1867 or 1873 (sources disagree), which lasted until 1877. The pre-motor Motor City was in need of a new club to fill that gap.
Weddings & Events
The historic Detroit Yacht Club is the perfect venue to host your next social event. Our beautiful Clubhouse offers a Grand Ballroom which can accommodate up to 400 guests, and several intimate event rooms. ... Detroit Yacht Club Membership Learn More Today. Detroit Yacht Club. One Riverbank Road Belle Isle Detroit, MI 48207; P: (313) 824-1200 ...