yacht club st pete

St. Petersburg Yacht Club

Phone: 727-892-3873

Address: 11 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Website: http://www.spyc.org

Situated in a bustling arts community on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club has been a part of the sailing community for over 100 years.

We pride ourselves in creating a relaxed private club atmosphere with a warm, friendly, family-oriented environment. We offer a wide variety of social activities and our Clubs Within a Club meet a plethora of special interests for our members where they can mix and mingle.

Membership is by Invitation Only Founded 1909

Our Club Members

Bird Key Yacht Club

Bradenton Yacht Club

Captiva Island Yacht Club

Carlouel Beach & Yacht Club

Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club

Clearwater Yacht Club

Coral Reef Yacht Club

Coral Ridge Yacht Club

Davis Island Yacht Club

Eau Gallie Yacht Club

Florida Yacht Club

Fort Walton Yacht Club

Halifax River Yacht Club

Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club

Isles Yacht Club

Key Biscayne Yacht Club

Lake Beresford

Lauderdale Yacht Club

Marathon Yacht Club

Marco Island Yacht Club

Naples Sailing & Yacht Club

Naples Yacht Club

Oyster Bay Yacht Club

Pelican Isle Yacht Club

Pensacola Yacht Club

Sarasota Yacht Club

Smyrna Yacht Club

St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club

St. Charles Yacht Club

Tampa Yacht & Country Club

Tarpon Springs Yacht Club

The Field Club

The Moorings Yacht & Country Club

Venice Yacht Club

Vero Beach Yacht Club

MEMBER PORTAL

• Yacht Clubs

St. Petersburg Yacht Club

11 Central Avenue

St. Petersburg , FL 33701

(727) 822-3873

Rich in history and tradition, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States. Established in 1909 and having been completely renovated in the early 1990s, the Club is located on the beautiful waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. A gathering place for avid boaters, it is also one of Tampa Bay’s most prestigious social venues.

The mission of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is to encourage and support yachting, and provide a comfortable social environment for our members and guests, while preserving and enhancing the Club’s traditions and prestige. 

From the Commodore:

St. Petersburg Yacht Club has been a leader in the American sailing community for 102 years. Becoming a founding member of The National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame was in line with our core traditions and values.

Tito Vargas, Commodore – St. Petersburg Yacht Club

St Petersburg’s city fathers had ambitious plans for their commercial docks: create waterfront parks and a yacht club. The St Petersburg Yacht Club was founded in 1909.

Following the reclamation and completion of the waterfront, the clubhouse was inaugurated on its current site in 1917. Two years later, 6 Fish Class sailboats were acquired and one design racing began. Several classes have returned annually for over 60 years.

Offshore racing started with the Havana Race in 1930. As forerunner of SORC, both brought sailors from all over the world to Tampa Bay.

The yacht club is famous for its standard of race management and events are run almost all year round.  Juniors learn to sail. Sailors have represented the club all over the world.

For more on our Club’s storied past, please take a few moments to enjoy our Centennial Book ( Part 1 ,  Part 2 ).

Quick Links

Getting Here

The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame

365 Thames Street

Newport, RI 02840

401.324.5761

[email protected]

Adult Programs

Youth Programs

Special Events

Since the 1940's.

The St. Petersburg Sailing Center has been home to novice sailors and expert racers since the early 1940's. Community memberships are available to those who live in the Tampa Bay Area.

Facebook Feed

Did you know that our classes are open to sailors ages 5-17? Learn more by visiting sailstpete.org #spycsailing #myspyc ... See More See Less

• Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Sailing offers a myriad of benefits, both physical and mental, making it a rewarding and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn how you can start your journey by visiting sailstpete.org ... See More See Less

The countdown to summer is officially here. Don't miss out on your chance to join us for summer sailing classes. Visit sailstpete.org for more information. #sailstpete #spycsailing #myspyc ... See More See Less

Photos from St. Petersburg Yacht Club's post ... See More See Less

This May, join us on the water. Learn more by visiting www.sailstpete.org #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

New Ideal 18 courses are available for our adult members. Visit www.sailstpete.org for more information. ... See More See Less

New adult sailing classes have been added to the calendar! Be sure to visit www.sailstpete.org for more information or to enroll. #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

Did you know we offer youth sailing programs beginning at 5 years old?!? Visit www.sailstpete.org for more information. #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s Youth Racing Team is rich in both talent and history. For more information on our year-round Youth Racing Team, please contact our coaching staff at 727-822-3113 ... See More See Less

Summer sailing courses begin in just a few short weeks. Are you registered? Learn more by visiting www.sailstpete.org ... See More See Less

Members we are planning our summer calendar. What j/70 opportunities would you like to see? #sailstpete #spcsailing ... See More See Less

That first place feeling! #sailstpete #spycsailing ... See More See Less

Instagram Feed

spycsailing

School's almost out for summer! We have a few last minute openings available for our summer sailing classes. Visit www.sailstpete.org for more information or to enroll! #sailstpete #spyc_fl #summercamps ...

We are excited to be hosting the 2023 US Opti Sailing Team Trails. Please note that parking will not be available at the Sailing Center nApril 28th through May 7th. Please plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing you on the water! #sailstpete #spycsailing #spyc_fl ...

Twilight racing is back! Don't forget to register to join in on the fun by visiting www.spyc.org/regattas #sailstpete #spycsailing #spyc_fl ...

What a way to start the spring season! Last week the sailing center hosted several amazing training opportunities on and off the water. Including: Warrior Sailing Program's safety at sea training, basic training camp and certification camp; American Sailing/ North U's women's performance sailing week; and North Sails North American Sales conference to name a few! #sailstpete #warriorsailing #Spycsailing #womenssailing ...

Summer is just around the corner. Visit www.sailstpete.org for more information or to enroll. #sailstpete #spycsailing #summercamp ...

Lots of opportunities to get on the water this spring! Visit www.spyc.org/regattas for more information! #sailstpete #spycsailing #Spyc_fl ...

Looking for youth or adult sailing programs? Visit www.sailstpete.org for more information on upcoming events. #sailstpete #spyc_fl #spycevents ...

New sailing classes have been added to the calendar: visit www.sailstpete.org for more information or to enroll. #sailstpete #spycsailing #myspyc ...

Twilight racing is back! Have you registered for the series yet? Learn more by visiting www.spyc.org/regattas #sailstpete #spycsailing #myspyc ...

Adult Racing classes are back! These classes are designed to be an introduction to racing for sailors with previous sailing experience. Previous experience is mandatory to attend. These classes are a 4 part series in Ideal 18s, with a coach in the powerboat. Students will meet over the course of 2 weeks on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5-8:00pm rain or shine. Sailors will learn about racing through on the water and classroom training. Prerequisite: Active Ideal 18 Rating Cost: $600 Non- Members $300 Sailing Center Members $225 Yacht Club Members Learn more by visiting: https://spyc.clubmanager.me/event/907 ...

ST Pete's Business Daily

(and a whole lot more), sign up for a free lifetime subscription, and take your seat at the table.

Concerns swell over St. Pete Yacht Club redevelopment

St. Petersburg Yacht Club officials are attempting to quell member concerns regarding the waterfront landmark’s impending demolition and future uses, less than two months after announcing a tentative redevelopment date.

The Catalyst obtained an email Commodore Scott Boyle sent to members Tuesday that addressed a petition circulating around the clubhouse in recent days. He said it contains inaccurate information regarding plans to rebuild the facility at 11 Central Avenue – first opened in 1917 – and a marina project.

In early March, club leaders announced plans to build anew in fiscal year 2028-29, as time has caught up to the aging facility. Boyle wrote Tuesday that a modern and efficient building would honor the club’s “rich sailing history” and provide a place that members “will be proud to call home.”

“The decision to build a new facility has nothing to do with jeopardizing or minimizing the club’s sailing history,” Boyle wrote. “The master plan assures we will maintain that history, and we will remain a premier sailing club well into the future.”

The Yacht Club has started building a new event pier with a 475-foot floating dock. Club spokesperson Joe DiVito said, in an earlier interview, that the existing pier was over 50 years old and becoming a “real problem.” He said the new pier would better accommodate regattas and other events.

In his email, Boyle called marina reconstruction a “huge endeavor” with several moving parts.

“Unfortunately, we relied on inaccurate information regarding the length of time required to obtain city and county permits,” he added. “This led to the unfortunate decision to vacate the marina of vessels months before it was necessary.”

Ongoing dock construction at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Photo: Chris Fraser, Facebook.

Boyle said club leadership assembled a “very capable” dock project management team to oversee the project. He noted that the group meets weekly with contractors and engineers to ensure marina reconstruction concludes in the fall.

The Yacht Club was founded in 1909 and now offers two clubhouses, three marinas, full-service catering, a sailboat fleet and myriad events. The facility on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront opened in 1917.

The building underwent a substantial remodel in 1989. However, its floor elevation is six feet below current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards, and the historic site is no stranger to storms .

Club archives state that the “Great Hurricane of October 1921” caused extensive flooding. Officials opened an expanded facility in December 1922.

Boyle noted that the club began updating its “Long Range Plan” in 2021. Over 50% of members participated in a corresponding survey and requested extensive improvements that leadership determined were cost-prohibitive .

Stakeholders also expressed the need for a new elevator, roof and pool deck, an updated kitchen and electrical repairs. However, a remodeled club would still not comply with FEMA regulations.

In a condensed recap of “how we got to this place,” Boyle said noncompliance would limit improvements to 50% of the facility’s appraised value. That would necessitate multiple construction phases and “club closures over a period of years.”

“There is no practical way to raise the building elevation as, again, it would require significant modifications to meet members’ demands, which rival the cost of a new structure,” Boyle wrote.

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club site at 11 Central Avenue. Screengrab, Pinellas County property records.

He added that a complete rebuild is the only viable option to “provide a flood-resistant state-of-the-art facility with adequate parking providing the features desired by our members.” Boyle then noted that the Yacht Club’s governing board has the authority to make those decisions.

Global engineering firm Skanska will lead the master planning phase and prepare conceptual designs to share with city and club officials. Construction models recently provided two building options that include 48,500 square feet of airconditioned space and a pool.

The Yacht Club’s leadership must still decide whether to build a new parking garage. Boyle said he hopes to provide initial conceptual drawings at an informational session this summer.

However, he also addressed concerns regarding banquet facilities. Boyle said there is “no truth” to allegations that the plan calls for a design better suited to host weddings and “revenue-driven events.”

Boyle said the Yacht Club, as a 501c (7) organization, can only derive 15% of revenues from nonmember sources. “We come close to that limit every year as it is,” he wrote.

“While banquet revenue does help subsidize member costs, the Master Plan is wholly unrelated to increasing funding from banquets,” Boyle added. “My hope is that this brings our members up to date on where we stand … and has addressed many of the questions you may have.

“It’s important to deal with the facts.”

Hugh Hazeltine

May 7, 2024at3:59 pm

I attended a cruising club lunch 3 months ago. Commodore Boyle was introduced and when he got to the podium the first words he spoke: “Don’t ask me about the marina”.

May 1, 2024at4:14 pm

The glory days of yacht racing are over, it’s just a big expensive dinner club. Big elephant in the room, what do you do with 2400+ members (possible 3500 individuals) during a 2 year build, and based on the marina it could be 3 years. No one is counting these costs. SPYC will become history in bankruptcy facing $55M+ costs.

May 1, 2024at8:15 am

ha! – the 1% bickering over their “spoils”

D. Artzibushev

May 1, 2024at5:53 am

The club could have the FEMA regulations and the 50% rule waived by officially designated the building as historic. Just something to consider.

Scott Simmons

April 30, 2024at11:33 pm

I hope the rebuild will be handled better than the new dock was handled. I am concerned about the cost as a nearly 25 year member long gone to North Carolina and now Mexico. Knowing Joe DiVito for those 25 years, I trust his judgment. Joe, I am on FB and living the good life in San Miguel de Allende. Look me up old friend.

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

Add your idea below. Review Catalyst posting guidelines here.

Subscribe to the St Pete Catalyst Daily Spark newsletter

By posting a comment, I have read, understand and agree to the Posting Guidelines .

Subscribe to the Daily Spark

Get the latest right to your phone

You may like

The criminal kind: Giles Davies in Jobsite’s ‘The Smuggler’

St. Pete has an equity office at full strength

Five ways to get involved and give back in St. Pete

Share with friend

Enter the details of the person you want to share this article with.

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety

Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series – St. Petersburg

February 16-18, 2024  •  Hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club

Event Information

February 16-18, 2024 

Final Scores

Notice of Race

Official Notice Board

Scratch Sheet

St. Petersburg Social Pass

Enjoy snack and drinks nightly, the launch of Mount Gay Rum’s special edition, SPYC’s Famous Saturday Supper, music, games and more. Complimentary Social Passes for SWRS Race Officials and Junior Sailors. Advance offer – Buy 4 and the 5th pass free.

Mount Gay Rum Cocktail Contest

The BVI Championship’s Mount Gay Rum Cocktail Contest is coming to the St Petersburg Yacht Club on Friday, February 16th. Mount Gay provides the mixers and the Mount Gay Rum (Eclipse, XO, Navy Strength, and Black Barrel) for your team to create the new Season’s Regatta Social cocktail. Only Five Teams Selected. Space is limited.

One Charismatic Crew

The crew of Tim Landt’s Nightwind 35 Charisma took on the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series Distance Race in St. Pete to recreate themselves.

Melges 24 Team Wins Midwinter Championship and Overall Title in St. Pete

Steve and Catherine Boho’s team on The 300 win the Midwinters and get berth to the BVI championship.

St. Pete To Shine Again

The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series 2024 kicks off in St. Petersburg with a packed Tampa Bay.

One For the Books in St. Petersburg

A big turnout, lively parties and great racing. It’s what to expect at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg.

Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series St. Petersburg 2023 Gallery

Select images from the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series weekend event in St. Petersburg, Florida.

St. Pete is Going to Sizzle

All indications are the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series’ kick off in St. Petersburg is going to be hot. And we’re not just talking about the weather.

More St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Map and Points of Interest

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Merchandise

Yacht Club Estates

Get Involved!

Popular annual neighborhood events include our Annual Neighborhood Party, fire truck-led Halloween Parade, Island-Wide Garage Sale, Holiday Homes on Parade fundraiser , various community outreach projects, as well as active interest groups such as our book club, bible study group, bike club, boat club and wine club.

Reach out to an Executive Committee member to volunteer!

• Scroll to top

• FCYC/SPCC visiting guests will be extended privileges to visit the Club a maximum of twice (2) month. Should an FCYC/SPCC member continue to request access to the facilities, they will be asked to join the Club.
• Access to the downtown clubhouse will be permitted based on space. No access will be permitted to the Pass-a-Grille Clubhouse.
• FCYC/SPCC are required to make reservations at our downtown location.
• FCYC/SPCC are permitted to make a dining reservation for a maximum of four (4) people at one table. Larger parties are at the discretion of St Petersburg Yacht Club.
• FCYC/SPCC members are permitted to use the Central Ave valet entrance if space permits. Self-parking will not be available.
• All reciprocal clubs will see an additional 5% service charge.
• Reciprocal members will be extended privileges to visit the Club a maximum of twice (2) annually. Should a reciprocal club member continue to request access to the facilities, they will be asked to join the Club.
• Dining reservations must be made in advance. We will do our best to accommodate a reciprocal member, however, will be unable to honor reservation requests made within forty-eight (48) hours.
• The Club will not honor walk-in reciprocal club members.
• Reciprocal club members are permitted to make a dining reservation for a maximum of four(4) people at one table. Larger parties are at the discretion of St Petersburg Yacht Club.
• Reciprocal member use for private event rooms in December and February will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We will yield to first accommodating our own member requests.
• Reciprocal Club members are permitted to use the Central Ave valet entrance if space permits. Self-parking will not be available.

Visiting Clubs

Reciprocal Clubs-