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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.

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Miles River Yacht Club

• 24750 Yacht Club Road St. Michaels MD 21663
• Visit Website

See website for hours of operation

Founded in 1920, the Miles River Yacht Club enjoys a rich tradition of supporting boating, sailing, and swimming activities, promoting social recreation, and enhancing the general welfare of the community. Our proud heritage includes supporting the Log Canoe Races, a major attraction on the Bay. The Miles River Yacht Club was organized in November, 1920. It was incorporated June of 1921 and purchased it's permanent location on Long Haul Creek in 1930. In 1937, the first handbook containing the constitution and the By-Laws of the Club was adopted and printed. The committee was composed of William C. Mills, Nicols Hardcastle and Robert W. Lewis. For over fifty years, MRYC coordinated the annual July 4th fireworks display on behalf of the Town of St Michaels. The Club has also hosted many local meetings and events, and is considered by many as a community partner. Our proud heritage includes supporting the Log Canoe Races, whcih has become a major attraction on the Bay. Through the development of both adult and junior said programs, MRYC has significantly expanded interest in the art of sailing. Our history now includes a Vet Sailing program dedicated to thanking our military for their dedication and sacrifice while in the service of our Country.

• Sailing Schedules
• Junior Sail Program
• MRYC Foundation

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“ So, believe me, if you want fine food, eat in the St Pete Yachtclub, these chefs are the top!!!! ” in 5 reviews

“ It came with a choice of side and I had the sweet potato fries. ” in 2 reviews

“ On top of that, the Club has a spectacular drink menu with a large group of martinis to sample and speciality drinks that are very reasonably priced. ” in 2 reviews

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11 Central Ave

Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Downtown St. Petersburg

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Looking for an incredible night at the most exclusive private clubs in the Tampa St. Petersburg area? Want at one of a kind beverage only available to members of the yacht club? Join today. Order the Commodore tomorrow.

The Commodore - exclusively available at the St. Pete Yacht Club: Kettle One, Soda, Splash of Blue Curaçao

The Yacht Club, situated in the heart of Downtown St Pete, stands out as a beacon of elegance amidst an otherwise Bourbon Street-esq area. As you step through its doors, you're instantly transported to a world where sophistication meets warmth, where every detail is meticulously curated. The acting Admiral ensures that standards are upheld with utmost precision, exuding a leadership style that's both commanding and welcoming. From the top-notch service to the impeccably presented amenities, everything about the Yacht Club whispers luxury. Whether you're seeking a serene evening by the water or a refined gathering spot for friends, this establishment is unparalleled in its offering. Truly, a gem in the crown of St Pete.

Several members of our chapter are also members of SPYC, therefore, we were able to held an event at the club. It was so pleasant walking around the property and appreciate the well maintained architecture and elegant interior decoration. It reminds me those old mansions built in 1920's back at my hometown. So classic. The well managed club shows its quality at the moment I stepped into the lobby. We had almost 100 guests came for the event and the party went through smoothly. Since our event was a combination of demonstration and luncheon, SPYC staffs accommodated all our inquires. They were polite, attentive and detail oriented. Club food was decent and reasonable priced. Our guests enjoyed their time at SPYC which encourage us to consider holding another event at SPYC next year. I look forward to returning and exploring more of this historical building.

Yacht Club Japanese flower arrangement event.

On December 6, 2023, the SPYC hosted the annual SILVER BELLS fundraiser Gala for the St Petersburg Opera Guild. They have hosted in the past and it's always been a great event. This year, the SP Opera Guild and the SP Yacht Club created a SPECTACULAR event. Shannon Nylander from the Catering department was an amazing ally. She worked with the committee on every detail. She quickly returned calls and emails and answered every question with friendliness and professionalism. She was incredibly accommodating with the Guild's somewhat unorthodox requests. She knew the details from our past events at the Yacht Club and was able to provide a unique perspective based on previous years. The Banquet Manger, Michael Gaisford, oversaw the event and was another great asset to guide our team. The food was delicious, and the presentation was very nice. The valet staff to the wait staff to the front desk 'ambassador' were all friendly and helpful. Truly a great experience. If you are a member or have a liaison at the SPYC, plan your event with them. I would strongly recommend it! Thank you all again.

While this waterfront yacht club is perfectly positioned and decorated, the chef needs to walk the proverbial plank with the food. I have enjoyed the privilege of attending several events here. I truly appreciate the tradition and olde world nautical decor. The old decor is clearly high end so it doesnt look as dated as it otherwise would. The Club is always impressively dressed on the inside for Christmas. The appeal ends there. The Yacht Club gets 4 stars for decor but 2 stars for food. Habitually, the food here ranges from boring to awful and the menu offerings are as old as the club median member age. No one with tastebuds younger than 50 and still operational comes here for "good food." I typically order the vegetarian option and i one day i had enough of boring pasta so i broke down to order the fish. It was like fish served at an airline or retirement home. Bland and boring. What is wrong with this chef?!? You should be paid well enough to afford updating your culinary skills to create a decent vegetarian option. If youre not vegetarian or vegan but you may have someone in your party who is, they wpnt be impressed. So if youre a host who cares about the happiness of all her guests, you wont bother taking a group here. It isnt impressive as it should be.

Not a Yacht Club member, but had the privilege of visiting to attend a meeting. Nice place, great location, nautical decor, and excellent upper deck patio area with a bar and great views of the marina. I'd absolutely come back if invited.

I believe this is a private restaurant, but if you are able to to go, go for the food. Everything was fresh and healthy servings at a very reasonable price. The wait staff is excellent also. The inside is dated, but there was some oldies but goodies live music which made it a bit fun.

House salad

A tiki bar downtown St Petersburg? Why, yes! An exclusive place (must be a member), but great fun at the outside bar with some good food. Friendly service!

We are new members and heard that, in the past, the food was hit and miss. Those days are definitely over. The food now is excellent. The Caesar salad is exceptional as the dressing used, from a special recipe, is great. The lobster rolls are as good as lobster rolls from Maine. The bulgogi dish is the best this side of the Korean Peninsula. The seared scallops are perfectly cooked. On top of that, the Club has a spectacular drink menu with a large group of martinis to sample and speciality drinks that are very reasonably priced. All in all, it is now one of the best restaurants in town. It seems that the chefs really care.

Loved having lunch here overlooking the water and sailboats. The wait staff were very attentive. We sat on the patio as we had a dog with is and they brought a bowl of water for her! I ordered a vegetarian meal, hummus and avocado pita which was pretty yummy. I added Dijon mustard. It came with a choice of side and I had the sweet potato fries. My fiancé had the lobster roll which was also very good. The food, service, and view were outstanding! We will be back :)

I have sailed several regattas out of the St Pete Sailing Center hosed by the Yacht Club. I enjoying sailing Tampa Bay for the Challenge, and the sailing center has excellent facilities. The race management is a bit restrictive to the point that they forget that sailing should be fun. They do follow the rules though, and are competent and provide fair racing, but I do thing they should allow late registrations, as it doesn't affect the fairness of the racing and promotes participation from those who can come at the last minute. I think they charge a bit much for the regattas given there are no free drinks, but after chairing my fair share of regattas I know the cost can run up quickly. I enjoy sailing here and try and make it once a year.

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• Saint Michaels
• Party Venues

Miles River Yacht Club

• Phone 410-745-9511
• events.milesriveryc.org
• Capacity: 150 people

About Miles River Yacht Club

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Event Pricing

SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2024: $90.00++ per person Dinner: 2 Chefs Choice Hors D'oeuvres, a Choice of Caesar or Garden Salad, Chicken Chesapeake with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Medley with Rolls, Butter and a Small Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream to go with the Wedding Cake provided by Host. ***The Lawn Ceremony fee of $700 is currently being WAVED for anyone booking in 2024 and discounted to $500 for anyone booking in 2025*** The Deposit is $3000 and includes an Event Coordinator, White Table Clothes, Colored Napkins, Lantern Centerpieces with Candles, Event Set up, Service, and Breakdown. Bar Packages range from $40.00++ per person for Beer and Wine only, $50.00++ for Standard Liquor bar or $56.00++ per person for a Premium Bar. The Bartender fee is $115.00. SPECIAL DISCOUNT** The Lawn Ceremony fee of $700 is currently being WAVED for anyone booking in 2024 and discounted to $500 for anyone booking in 2025.

Event Spaces

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The Commodore's Room is the venue for larger events with seating for up to 150, a dance floor, and magnificent broad views of the yacht club marina and the Miles River.

Supported Layouts and Capacities

Isabel’s Dock Bar encompasses all that is Nautical, including the ceiling displays of Burgees from around the World. At Isabel’s, rehearsal dinners and cocktail parties with a maritime-themed menu are just perfect for you!

The Trophy Room, home of the lovely perpetual trophies, is an intimate setting for a quiet, more formal dinner or small event for up to 40.

• Banquet/Event Hall
• On-Site Catering Service
• Outdoor Function Area
• Max Number of People for an Event: 150