St. Petersburg Yacht Club Inc

Overview

St. Petersburg Yacht Club Inc. is a nonprofit organization located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Founded in 1909, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. The club is renowned for its rich yachting heritage and serves as a gathering place for both avid boaters and social enthusiasts. It is a member of the Gulf Yachting Association and the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.

History

Established by a group of sailors with a shared passion for boating, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club initially lacked a formal dock or clubhouse. However, by 1917, the club had secured a site on the waterfront, where it inaugurated its first clubhouse on June 15, 1917. The clubhouse, designed in the Spanish Mission style, quickly became a social hub for members. Over the years, the club has expanded its facilities, with significant renovations occurring in the early 1990s.

Yachting and Racing

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club is celebrated for its excellence in race management and hosts events throughout the year. The club initiated one-design racing with the acquisition of six Fish Class sailboats in 1919. Offshore racing began in 1930 with the Havana Race, which served as a precursor to the Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC). The club has sent sailors to compete globally and has produced notable figures in the sailing world, including Ed Baird, Allison Jolly, Mark Mendelblatt, and Jennifer French.

Social and Community Engagement

In addition to its sailing activities, the club is recognized for its warm hospitality and vibrant social scene. It offers a variety of social activities and hosts community events, fostering a family-oriented environment among its members. The club also maintains a second location at Pass-a-Grille, providing an additional venue with a beach ambiance.

EIN and Status

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club Inc. operates as a nonprofit organization under the tax identification number EIN: 590433240. Membership is by invitation only, ensuring a private and exclusive atmosphere for its members.