|
|
 |
| # Ebulletin Logo - Header |
|
|
|
| 2023 USODA Midwinter Championship |
|
|
| 2026 |
The story of yacht clubs in Sarasota began more than a century ago in 1907 on the northern end of Siesta Key. At the time, Siesta Key was considered remote and only accessible by boat. This early iteration of a yacht club in Sarasota was driven by the locally well known Harry Higel, developer, soon-to-be mayor, and commodore.
The second iteration of a club in Sarasota came to be as the Sarasota Yacht & Automobile Club in 1913. Also driven by Harry Higel, this club was developed on Cedar Point, now known as Golden Gate Point. The land at the time was described as being "made charming by nature, with its evergreen growth of trees and shrubs, the surrounding bay and cool Gulf breezes, with a view for miles." The club was a social center during its brief lifetime with the New Year's Eve celebrations being described as "brilliant in the highest with a hearty informal spirit … more like a family or neighbor than might have been expected where guests hailed from half the states in the Union." In August 1916 the closure of this club was announced in the newspaper.
On June 21, 1926, our Sarasota Yacht Club was officially incorporated. Founded by sailors with the goal of pursuing inter-club racing aboard fish class sailboats, Sarasota Yacht Club has continued and built upon this legacy. For the love of sailing and the camaraderie of a club, we are honored to celebrate our centennial alongside our members in 2026.
 |
|
|
|
| A Piece of Sarasota History |
| Incorporated on June 21, 1926. |
|
|
|
| A Serene Paddle Through the Mangroves |
| Communications & Marketing Director Emma Dodge takes us on a quiet journey through our local mangrove jungle just a quick paddle south of SYC. |
| Click here to explore. | |
|
|
| ABOUT OUR CLUB |
| Our club lifestyle extends beyond the enjoyment of our world-class facilities. Our fun-seeking and family-friendly members cherish the camaraderie, the community, and the excitement of our sporting and social events. This is the Sarasota Yacht Club experience. |
|
|
|
| Amenities & Services Overview |
|
|
|
| ANNUAL SYC INVITATIONAL REGATTA |
The Annual SYC Invitational Regatta is for sailors of all ages and boats of all sizes. Friday evening sailors will meet at the Club for the Skipper's Meeting and Opening Night Party. On Saturday morning and afternoon the races take place on Sarasota Bay for all fleets. After the regatta, we gather at SYC for our dinner and awards ceremony.
 |
| VISIT REGATTAS | |
|
|
| ARRIVING BY LAND OR WATER |
By land, SYC is located across the Ringling Causeway Bridge, or by sea through Big Pass on Lido channel - whichever way you're traveling, let us help you navigate to our welcoming doors and marina.
 |
| CHART YOUR COURSE | |
|
|
| ARRIVING BY WATER |
Information and education to help navigate your way to the shores of the SYC marina from the Intracoastal Waterway in Sarasota Bay or through Big Sarasota Pass.
 |
| FIND OUR MARINA | |
|
|
| Award-Winning |
BoardRoom Magazine has honored Sarasota Yacht Club, not just once, but three times as a recipient of the Distinguished Emerald Club award. In late 2017, BoardRoom recognized Sarasota Yacht Club as an Elite Distinguished Club. This award is judged on member experience and awarded to only eight other yacht clubs in the United States and only four clubs in Florida. In late 2018, Sarasota Yacht Club received recognition as a Platinum Club of America. This recognition is given to only 30 yacht clubs nation-wide, 12 of them located in Florida. Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international association of gastronomy has recognized Sarasota Yacht Club for its culinary arts programs for two consecutive years. Club Managers Association of America, one of the club industry's leading managers' associations, which recognizes exemplary wine programs, consistently ranks Sarasota Yacht Club as one of the club industry's best wine programs. It should be noted that Sarasota Yacht Club has won the CMAA International Wine Society Award of Distinction several years running.
 |
| Read More | |
|
|
| Celebrating Sailing |
Sarasota Yacht Club is honored to have hosted this esteemed youth sailing event for three consecutive years. The regattas include three days of racing and a Celebration of Sailing event featuring a delicious dinner, live music, and fun! We can't wait to set sail for future youth regattas at SYC. Thank you to all of our sailors, coaches, volunteers, and parents for helping us execute another successful regatta.
 |
| View 2023’s Regatta Results | |
|
|
| Centennial |
As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our incorporation in 1926, we embark on our second century carrying on the traditions and committed to delivering a world-class experience for our members.
 |
| UNCOVER OUR HISTORY | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Clubhouse & Offices - Summer |
Call 941.365.4191 for appointments, reservations, and curbside ordering.
Business Office
Front Desk/Concierge
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Sunday: 9am–7pm
Clubhouse
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Sunday: 8am–8:30pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CONNECTING CLUB & COMMUNITY |
| Stay up to date on what's happening at Sarasota Yacht Club with press releases, and philanthropic efforts within our community. |
| BROWSE PUBLICATIONS | |
|
|
| CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS |
Though we are a historic facility, SYC remains committed to improving our marina and the boating experience for our members and guests. This includes making improvements and upgrades with our current infrastructure and exploring options for expansion.
 |
|
|
|
| CORPORATE EVENTS |
| Whether a small business meeting, or a large company party, plan your outing at SYC. The setting, service, and catering is sure to impress. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| E-Bulletin Header |
Operational Update:
It was so great to have reopened this week. We welcomed back many members. As promised, we were all social distanced and it certainly appeared everyone felt comfortable. A limited number of staff are back and as our volume increases, we will continue to bring back members of our staff that we all miss.
As we wait for the Governor to advise us on Phase II, we continue to plan summer, fall, and winter activities and gatherings.
Be on the look out for Memorial Day activities, we are currently planning some virtual and on-site options.
Hunter Spitler, our dockmaster has decided he will take his career in an alternative direction. We wish him great success in his new ventures. Waterfront Director Will Stocke has stepped in to ensure that operations in the Marina are seamless.
Looking around the property you will see an almost completed retention pond deck over by the Sailing Center. There are a few more items to complete, including a paver walkway so the grass does not get trampled, new sod will be installed soon along with a new rack system for our youth sailing boats.
Our communication initiative is continuing to keep our members connected and engaged through many social media activities like, book reading to children, book reviews by non-other than our own Dr. John Manhold, SYC Trivia, Friday Virtual Happy Hours, #SYCsmiles campaign and much more.
As a reminder our parking lot gate hours are as follows:
Monday and Tuesday gates will be closed. Operational with Membership & Vendor Codes.
Wednesday through Sunday gates will be open from 11am–9pm. All other times membership cards will be required for entrance.
As always, I am available if you have any questions. Please email at [email protected].
Thank you,
Karen Harmon, General Manager/COO
 |
|
|
|
| FAMILY CELEBRATIONS |
Host a birthday, anniversary, shower, or any special occasion at SYC's private event venues. Whether large or small, lavish or relaxed, come celebrate life's milestones with your loved ones.
 |
|
|
|
| Founded On Sailing |
Sarasota Yacht Club was originally founded in the spirit of inter-club racing aboard Fish Class sailboats. These boats were popular throughout the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. since their inception in 1919. The SYC fleet saw success with Lipton Cup Regatta wins in 1930, 1931, and 1932. Fish Class racing remained a club focus until about 1965.
 |
|
|
|
| GORGEOUS WEDDINGS |
From the scenic waterfront ceremony on the lawn, to the elegant cocktail reception on the terrace, and dinner and dancing in our Ringling room, our venue will have you saying "I do" to SYC.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Hours of Operation Overview |
|
|
| Let's Go Sailing! |
The SYC Annual Invitational Regatta features a PHRF race as well as youth and small boat races. Previous regattas have featured Opti, Laser, c420, Sunfish, Flying Scot, and Melges 15 fleets with courses set on beautiful Sarasota Bay. This regatta is included in the Sarasota Bay Yachting Association's Boat of the Year series. Click here to view the results of the 42nd Annual Regatta. Stay tuned for the registration for our 43rd Annual.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MARINA |
| The marina at SYC is expansive, accommodating yachts large and small within the sheltered waters of Sarasota Bay between New Pass and Big Pass. Catering to a variety of nautical interests, our SYC Fleet organizes boating activities from romantic sunset cruises to multi-day ventures. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Optis Take Over Sarasota Bay |
| In 2021, 2022, and 2023 SYC had the opportunity to cultivate the next generation of sailing by hosting a premier national youth regatta. More than 100 Optis took to the Bay in competition to qualify for the Trofeo Marco Rizzotti in Venice, Italy. |
|
|
|
| PARTY, SAIL, & PARTY AGAIN! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| RECIPROCAL CLUBS |
| Enjoy access and amenities to a large network of clubs from local to international. Visiting reciprocal club members are politely reminded to please call 941.365.4191 prior to their arrival to SYC. |
|
|
|
| Regatta Photography |
Browse photos from the 2023 USODA Midwinter Championship.
 |
| View Photos | |
|
|
| REGATTAS |
Discover the excitement of our Annual SYC Invitational Regatta featuring a PHRF race, as well as youth races and small boat fleets. The November event spans two days including our opening party, and awards dinner.
 |
| SYC ANNUAL REGATTA | |
|
|
| SAILING AT SYC |
| Capstoned by our Annual SYC Invitational Regatta, our robust sailing program includes sailing courses, cruising and racing, and events for the whole family to enjoy. Seasoned sailors or those just starting out will find plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the sport. |
|
|
|
| SAILING PROGRAM |
The SYC sailing program provides members with endless opportunities to excel and compete in the sport of sailing, through courses from our U.S. Sailing certified staff, our Annual SYC Invitational Regatta, and competing together in local regattas.
 |
|
|
|
| Sarasota Yacht Club |
| Located inside Big Pass on Florida's Gulf Coast, sits Sarasota Yacht Club. Our historic, yet modern club facilities include an expansive marina, fitness center, heated pool, resort-style bars, private event venues, and award-winning dining and cuisine. Our engaging, and community-oriented membership enjoys year-round boating, watersports, and leisure in a truly remarkable setting. |
|
|
|
| Set Sail |
| Chart your course for Sarasota and join us for the 43rd Annual Invitational Regatta on Saturday, November 2, 2024. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SYC 42nd Annual Invitational Regatta |
Our 42nd Annual Invitational Regatta in November 2023 was a fantastic success thanks to the participating sailors, hardworking volunteers, and wonderful sponsors. Congratulations to Robert Harkrider and crew aboard Sharkrider for taking the overall win. We look forward to seeing you on the water again in November, 2024.
 |
| View PHRF Course Photos | |
|
|
| SYC Dining Specials |
Tuesday, October 10 Lunch:
Lobster Salad on a Bed of Fresh Arugula with Citrus Vinaigrette $16 Dinner:
Asian Style Orange Colossal Shrimp & Cashews Served with Coconut Rice $28 Chefs Butcher Selection:
14 oz Bone in Pork Chop with Bourbon, Bacon Glaze $19 Catch:
Locally Sourced Daily $28 Flatbread:
Caprese $10 Vegetarian:
Edamame Falafel, arugula, grape tomatoes and truffle aioli $18 |
|
|
|
| SYC Invitational Regatta Gallery |
|
|
| SYC Storytime |
| Settle in for SYC Storytime from the safety of your own home with special guest readers including SYC members, management, and staff. |
| Come read with us! | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SYC Weekly E-blast |
| This is subtext to describe the content of the email |
|
|
|
| THE SYC TEAM |
Our friendly and engaging staff provide exceptional service from the dining rooms to the marina ensuring our members can relax, recreate, and socialize with their peers.
 |
| OUR WELCOMING CREW | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| WEDDINGS & EVENTS |
Say yes to award-winning cuisine and white-glove service amidst the stunning backdrop of panoramic waterfront views, sprawling lawns, and sunset scenes from the dock.
 |
| VISIT WEDDINGS & EVENTS | |
|
|
| WEDDINGS & EVENTS |
| With spacious rooms, exceptional views, and exquisite cuisine, Sarasota Yacht Club is the premier private event venue for weddings, celebrations, and corporate meetings. Our event professionals will help you plan and ensure every detail is perfect. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weddings & Events Overview |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| YOUTH SAILING |
At SYC our sailing programs extend to our youth members with specialized programming to help beginners and advanced junior sailors gain confidence and compete. In addition, our watersports summer camp teaches how to have fun and be safe on the water through sailing and other watersports.
 |
| Visit Youth Regattas | |
|
|
| A Piece of Sarasota History |
Sarasota Yacht Club has deep roots in local history. From its organization in 1907 as the Sarasota Yacht and Automobile Club, to its incorporation as the Sarasota Yacht Club in 1926, SYC held true through both World Wars, several moves, and is heading towards its centennial in 2026.
 |
| Read More | |
|
|
| Dining - Summer |
Call 941.365.4191 for appointments, reservations, and curbside ordering.
Coffee, Pastries, & Papers in the Neptune Lounge
- Wednesday–Sunday: 8am–10:30am
Porthole & Waterfront Terrace Dining
- Wednesday–Sunday: 11:30am–8:30pm
- Lunch: 11:30am–2:30pm
- Dinner: 5pm–8:30pm (5:30pm–8:30pm on Fridays)
Reservations are encouraged to better serve our members.
Spinnaker Bar & Grill
- Tuesday–Thursday & Sunday: 11:30am–7pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30am–8pm
Neptune Bar
The Neptune is open for Friday night Happy Hour featuring complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 5:30 pm–6:30 pm.
Curbside Food & Beverage Service
- Wednesday–Sunday, 12pm–7pm
- Lunch: (Place Your Order) 11am–2pm / (Pick Up Your Order) 12pm–2:30pm
- Dinner: (Place Your Order) 12pm–6pm / (Pick Up Your Order) 5pm–7pm
Happy Hour Pricing
- Wednesday & Sunday: 4pm–7:30pm
- Friday: 5pm–Close
|
|
|
|
| Amenities and Marina |
Call 941.365.4191 for appointments, reservations, and curbside ordering.
Fitness Center
Pool
- Tuesday–Sunday: Sunrise–Sunset
Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Dockmaster & Fuel Dock
Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Parking Lot Entrance Gates
When closed, gates are operational with membership cards |
|
|
|
| 1907 |
Organized in 1907, Sarasota Yacht & Gun Club was located on north Siesta Key. Harry Higel, a well known local and Sarasota mayor, was instrumental in forming this club. The Club became dormant from 1908-1910 but was revived in December 1911 in a boathouse on Cedar Point (Golden Gate Point). Even with the relocation, the club did not yield success.
 |
|
|
|
| DINING |
Take in stunning views as our culinary team prepares exciting dishes and family favorites from our locally-sourced, seasonal menus designed to please all palates.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Friday Opening Night |
Opening night features the regatta check-in and skipper's meeting, followed by a celebratory social for sailors and volunteers with drinks and live music. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Race Day 1 |
With a high of 56° and 26 knots of wind, the first day of racing was not for the faint of heart… 26 teams, more than 100 boats, from all over the U.S. took to the Bay to begin three days of team racing. Donning foul weather gear, sailors, coaches, volunteers, and RC alike were ready for the first warning signal at 9:30am. |
|
|
|
| 1913 |
In 1913 Harry Higel and friends formed the Sarasota Yacht & Automobile Club on Gulfstream Avenue. An impactful local, Owen Burns, served as the first Commodore. The club served as a social center until late 1916. John Ringling purchased the property along with Cedar Point (Golden Gate Point), Bird Key, Coon Key, and St. Armand's Key in 1917. This ended early efforts in Sarasota to form a yacht club.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Race Day 2 |
The second day of racing was still chilly by Sarasota standards, but featured much calmer winds leading to calculated and skillful team racing. Races throughout the regatta took place on two courses north of Coon Key. Fleets were split into the Silver Fleet and Gold Fleet with the winner of the Gold Fleet qualifying for the Trofeo Marco Rizzotti. The second race day ended with the Celebrate Our Sailors party and BBQ at SYC. |
|
|
|
| Saturday Races on the Bay |
All races start on Saturday morning on Sarasota Bay. Race details are included in the Notice of Race on the Regatta Network registration site. |
|
|
|
| SOCIAL |
Enjoy thoughtfully planned social events year-round ranging from understated, elegant wine tastings to vibrant, extravagant parties with live music and entertainment.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1926 |
Sarasota Yacht Club as we know it today was incorporated June 21, 1926. The sailing and social club met at Christy Payne's Boathouse on Gulfstream Avenue, the Savarese Fish-House on the railroad pier on Ringling Blvd., and the Tokyo Building at the City Pier. Club members were motivated to create and maintain this Club to join the Gulf Yachting Association and participate in inter-club racing in Fish-Class sailboats.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Race Day 3 |
The final day of racing had a comfortable 63° high with calmer winds, leading to an interesting final set of races. All eyes were on the Gold Fleet course by mid-afternoon as Team Happy pulled through to first place. More than 200 races were sailed with vastly different wind conditions. These youth sailors' endurance, teamwork, and skills were challenged and their performance was truly impressive. |
|
|
|
| Saturday Dinner & Awards |
Following the conclusion of the races, join us at SYC for a delicious pig roast dinner, live music, and a celebratory awards ceremony. A limited amount of dinner tickets are included in your regatta registration, additional tickets are available for purchase at regatta check-in on Friday evening. |
|
|
|
| WATERSPORTS |
Venture out and enjoy our watersports offerings at SYC including sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding for all ages.
 |
|
|
|
| Women's Fishing Tournament |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Click here to make your reservation.
Click here to make your reservation.
The SYC Cruise Schedule is full of fun upcoming cruising opportunities! Boaters and non-boaters are welcome to attend these festive weekends of SYC camaraderie. See below for upcoming cruises through March: Poker Run - May 11, 2024
Cruise Captains: Tony Incardona, Chip Gaylor
Click here for more details and to view the registration page. South Seas - May 17-19, 2024
Cruise Captains: Jeff & Cindy Ray
Click here for more details and to view the registration page. Yachtapalooza - May 24, 2024
Cruise Captains: Dockmaster Miles Wheeler
Click here for more details and to view the registration page.
Please Note: - May 18 - Due to the Entertainment Committee's Mad Hatter's Mixer, a la carte dinner will not be available. The Spinnaker Bar & Grill will be open normal hours.
Stay Connected by joining us at an upcoming event!
Click here to view the calendar on the SYC website. Stay tuned to SYC emails, the SYC website, and the SYC Private Social Facebook Group for more details on these upcoming events.
 Click here to view the Porthole Lunch menu.
Available Wednesday-Saturday. Click here for this week's Porthole Dinner menu.
Available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday Click here for this week's Friday Food Stations menu.
Available Friday in the Porthole, Ringling Rooms, & Waterfront Terrace Click here to view the Spinnaker Bar & Grill menu.
Available Tuesday-Sunday
 |
|
|
|
| Coffee With the Commodore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1936 |
After the death of John Ringling in 1936, the Coon Key land was given to SYC in Deed of Trust by the Ringling family. Soon after, the nation began preparing for World War II. The U.S. Army leased the property in 1939 for use as an air and sea rescue base. SYC was viable but inactive during the war. While on-site, the Army constructed a radio shack, two 48-man barracks, and expanded the wooden docks.
 |
|
|
|
| FITNESS |
Get your workout in with state-of-the-art equipment in our Fitness Center featuring group classes and personal training available through our partnership with SMH HealthFit.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1946 |
The Club regained control of its property in 1946 and quickly became an established sailing and social center. Fish Class sailing remained a focus for decades while new traditions were established. A new clubhouse was built in 1958 with several updates throughout the years. SYC's first Annual Invitational Regatta was held in 1979. Clubs Within the Club began to form including Bridge (1958) and GEMs (1971). SYC became a founding member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC, 1961), officially connecting nearby yacht clubs.
 |
|
|
|
| MARINA |
Participate in fun activities and social events organized by our SYC Fleet or simply rest in the sheltered waters of our gorgeous marina.
 |
| SEE OUR SHORES | |
|
|
| 2002 |
In 2002, the Club initiated a major expansion and modernization of its marina with the completion of dock extensions and electrical upgrades along with the addition of a pump-out station, new fuel and fire lines and new security lighting. In 2007, SYC further enhanced its presence in Sarasota by constructing a contemporary building that would establish SYC as the place to be in town.
 |
|
|
|
| 2010 |
After an investment of close to $15,000,000, the Club celebrated its grand opening in April 2010. The celebratory weekend featured a ribbon-cutting, Sundown Ceremony, and dinner on Friday evening. The remainder of the weekend featured the official commissioning of the building, a black-tie gala, and boat parade.
 |
|
|
|
| Now |
Sarasota Yacht Club continues to grow and evolve with our members and their families, while also carrying on our legacy. Our clubhouse boasts beautiful amenities for the diverse needs of our members. Activities include elevated wine dinners, to Clubs Within the Club, to casual family-friendly events. Our on-the-water legacy is carried on through our youth sailing programs, our SYC Annual Invitational Regatta, and our cruises to fellow FCYC clubs.
 |
|
|
|
