cost of venice yacht club

Venice Yacht Club

Play in the heart of downtown baltimore, marina info.

The Venice Yacht Club provides the members a private social club with extraordinary services and facilities. Membership includes successful business and professional people and spans all ages. The club is member controlled. Therefore, each member has a voice in the use and care of the club facilities and services. Camaraderie abounds. Amenities are extraordinary. Activities are many. Fine dining, cordial ambiance and impeccable service are the norm.Venice Yacht Club is a member of theFlorida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC).

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Venice Yacht Club

Venice Yacht Club is a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC).

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• Fax: 941-484-7603
• Latitude:  27.10981
• Longitude:  -82.46302

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Venice Yacht Club

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1330 Tarpon Center Dr

Venice, FL 34285

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This place is the best, great dock master, tiki bar, staff! Stayed one night at the dock on our Cat while sailing up the west coast Meet some great friends Kirsten and John Whitehead, hope to see them again soon! The food was fresh and delicious at the Yacht Club and we will be back soon!

Spending a night here on Squisita

Fun July 4th party! Snow cones, pool games and a large water slide. The food was good. We are outside in the shade. Salads and burgers.

I have written about the month long celebration I am enjoying for my birthday. This time, 2 of my friends offered to treat me here to dinner, and it was absolutely lovely. Food, service, atmosphere could not have been better. There was a pasta buffet, so many choices, I wish I had another stomach to fill, there was just so much good to choose from. You need to be a member, or guest of a member to attend, so I am definitely glad I was invited here. EXCELLENT CHOICE!

I LOVE THIS PLACE. Very nice employees. Fun environment. We have had a membership there for almost 2 years. Great place to eat, swim, hang out , have a get together with friends, good location .

Ate dinner outside by the Tiki bar. Selected the chef's special...blackened grouper with blackened shrimp. Entree came with rice & snap peas. Excellent. Nice setting, John is a friendly bartender. We have eaten here multiple times since first review and joined club as members. Great staff and amenities. Chef Josh provides an excellent variety of seafood dishes.

This place was packed when I stumbled onto the solid dock, sea legs trembling beneath me, feet stained brown by the Suns rays, cowl up protecting my eyes from its radiating reflection of off calm water. I was parched, stressed, and sore after 13+ hours of being tossed by a salty sea, granule filled water droplets pelting my skin all day, leaving crystalline drops on all of my clothing as I powered through with the hopes of reprieve on the horizon. The bar was full when I arrived, with a lone bar tender servicing the entire place by himself. Turns out, a wedding party had booked the main restaurant, and any spontaneous guests were being reroute do to the outside bar. It's really quite a nice little dock bar, with a good draft beer selection, along with all of the traditional liquor combinations you might want. The bartender, John, was overwhelmed, but very cool, and he made sure everyone knew what was going on. He was definitely skilled, and provided great service, especially considering the deluge of customers that had surged into his limited space. The chicken wings were crispy but moist, the nachos weren't bad, and the Greek salad was quite good! The food was tasty, the bartender John handled the situation admirably, provided good service, AND miraculously maintained a great attitude, and I was a satisfied customer! I hope he's there if you go- he was headed to Poland for a well deserved break last I checked....

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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How Much Do Yacht Club Memberships Cost? (5 Helpful Examples)

Joining a yacht club is an important milestone in your life. It marks a certain degree of success and allows you to enjoy plenty of luxurious amenities. Setting sail on a yacht is the ultimate way to unwind from a hectic work week while you try to climb the corporate ladder.

Fortunately, there are yacht clubs all over the country that would love to welcome you as a brand-new member. You can enjoy an afternoon on the water with a beautiful yacht in exchange for a small sum of money.

But how much do Yacht Club memberships generally cost?

Prices for Yacht Clubs will vary based on your location, the fleet, and even the amenities that are offered at the marina. The average annual membership price is between $900-$4,000 depending on your level of luxury and needs.

To give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for your yacht club membership, here are some numbers gathered from across the country:

Table of Contents

What Does Each Yacht Club Offer?

Each yacht club is going to offer something that sets it apart from the others on this listing. To give you a better idea of where your money is going, here is a brief synopsis of what you can expect at each location.

Related Article: How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost? (4 Examples)

Charleston Yacht Club

Charleston is a premier cruising destination with plenty of waterways for you to explore. They offer a launch hoist, dry slips, day dockage, free parking, and a long list of events scheduled throughout the year.

You also gain privileges at other yacht clubs around the world. If you don’t own your own yacht, they have plenty of members who often have room on their boats to accommodate a few extra passengers.

Florida Yacht Club

The Florida Yacht Club is a relatively exclusive club that features amazing amenities like fine dining and an array of aquatic activities.

You can play tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or massage, or get in a rousing game of croquet from the shore. They also host events and permit you to extend your privileges to other locations scattered around the Florida coast.

Atlanta Yacht Club

The Atlanta Yacht Club is primarily geared toward sailors who are interested in racing. They have a fleet of more than thirty different boats that are designed to help you further your knowledge of sailing.

If you still have a lot to learn, you can even take classes at this location. Prospective members must be sponsored and co-sponsored by two club members for entrance.

Related Article: 7 Boat Clubs in Florida You Should Know (Before Choosing)

Chicago Yacht Club

Members of the Chicago Yacht Club will find plenty of opportunities to get involved. With more than forty different committees, you can find a circle of friends that have common interests beyond just sailing and racing.

You also receive transient docking at both the Belmont and Monroe harbors, exclusive invites to private events, and reciprocity at more than 900 clubs across the country.

Related Article: Boat Clubs in Boston: 5 Clubs You Should Know

California Yacht Club

The California Yacht Club is home to both national and world championship regattas.

They host plenty of events from scuba club to book club to wine tastings. If you want to find a true community of like-minded sailors, this could be the place for you.

One of the best features is the reciprocity at locations not just across the United States but across the world. You can feel free to travel the world with your yacht and experience some of the same fellowship globally.

Related Article: Boat Clubs In Los Angeles: 7 Clubs You Should Know

What are the Cheapest Yacht Clubs?

The cheapest yacht clubs charge just under $1,000 per year for membership. While this does give you access to different types of experiences, you may be disappointed by the overall amenities.

Some yacht clubs are known for their extravagant country club styles that help you to embrace a particular lifestyle. They include Olympic-sized swimming pools, state-of-the-art tennis courts, and fine dining.

Everything has a beautiful waterfront view. It can feel like you are in the middle of an idyllic paradise without ever even having to leave the shore. If this is what you can gain from the most expensive yacht clubs, you should set your expectations much lower for the cheaper yacht clubs.

The cheaper yacht clubs lack the community aspect of these exclusive options. They feature dry slips and the occasional party, but not much more.

Some of them may have the feel of a county park with some picnic benches, outdoor grills, and a moderately sized swimming pool. Expect a much more casual atmosphere when you choose to go with a cheaper yacht club.

It is even possible that they are simply “paper yacht clubs” that do not even maintain a physical building of their own.

How Much Do the Most Expensive Yacht Clubs Cost to Join?

The most expensive yacht clubs can vary a great deal in price. Most of them will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per year. However, you can certainly find more exclusive clubs that will cost above and beyond this.

Keep in mind that these more expensive clubs generally are not open to the public. They are offered by invitation only and you must have a member sponsor you to be considered for entrance.

When you are paying for a more expensive yacht club, you should make sure that you are really going to get your money’s worth. These expensive clubs promote a certain type of elegant lifestyle.

Make sure that you are planning to take advantage of all the amenities available from one of these clubs before you sink too much money into the membership fees. The social aspect of these expensive yacht clubs is extremely important.

If you plan to simply rent a boat from time to time, you might be able to go with a cheaper yacht club.

Related Article: How Long Do Sailboats Last?

What Is Generally Included in the Membership Fee for Yacht Clubs?

Have you been wondering why you should join a yacht club? Many potential members want to know what they can expect from their membership fees before they commit to a year-long contract. There are many advantages to signing up for a membership with a well-known yacht club.

Amenities and Activities

First and foremost, you get access to activities and cruises planned by board members. These might be various sailing activities, dinners, get-togethers, tennis matches, or other events that take up a lazy Sunday afternoon.

You also gain access to any amenities that surround the yacht club’s marina. For many programs, this means a fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. Several locations also offer fine dining, meeting rooms, and more.

It is like a private oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the regular world. Time moves slowly when you’re enjoying the amenities here.

Many yacht clubs have programs that introduce children (and adults!) to sailing. Take classes to learn more about improving your technique, sailing safety, and other important aspects of life on the open water.

Access to the Fleet

The main reason why most people join yacht clubs is to be able to rent out boats instead of purchasing their own. Joining a yacht club may give you access to an entire fleet of yachts that can be reserved for a day or weeks at a time. Some yacht clubs allow you to rent boats for up to ten days at a time.

Others do not allow you to rent out ships. They are primarily geared toward individuals who already own a yacht or will own a yacht in the future. Make sure you know the difference in advance.

Are There any Additional Costs Besides the Membership Fees?

Unfortunately, the membership fees are not the only cost associated with joining a yacht club. Most of the clubs in the United States also have a one-time initial fee that tends to cost thousands of dollars. Many will range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the location and the exclusivity of the yacht club.

This one-time fee should be the only additional money you pay except for fuel. Most yacht clubs do not cover the cost of the fuel used in the ship during your rental if renting is an option. Be prepared for what this could cost you.

If you cause damage to the ship, you can also expect some out-of-pocket costs. Insurance should cover the damage, but you will likely be asked to cover the cost of the deductible.

Be sure to inquire about how much you may be on the hook for before you sign up for any particular yacht club. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced sailors. Make sure that you can afford the mishap in advance.

Is a Yacht Club Membership Right for You?

Understanding what the real cost of a yacht club membership is can be the first step toward determining if this is right for you. Many people love the luxuries available through the more expensive yacht clubs, but they may not be able to afford it. Consider what is most important in a club to you before deciding to sign on the dotted line for an annual membership.

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Venice Yacht Club

Stories from the Venice Yacht Club

Website: www.veniceyachtclub.com

Desires, Dreams, and Visions with Perseverance and Commitment The “story” of the Venice Yacht Club (VYC) begins with its extraordinary founding members. Weary of a long drive to Sarasota to sail their boats, they wanted to establish a sailing and boating place in Venice, FL in a maritime tradition, where there would be highly valued, enduring friendships of common interests, having fun together. 

Becoming a reality beginning in February 1951, the Club is situated on Roberts Bay, contiguous to the Gulf of Mexico. Heading out from our docks into Roberts Bay, then only a few feet from the club’s docks, boaters and sailors immediately turn left into the intra-coastal waterway. Shortly thereafter, they turn left into the Venice Inlet that flows into the Gulf. This quick access to the Gulf provides the fastest, easiest access of any yacht club along the west coast of Florida. 

The club’s members enjoy boating and sailing, multiple, continuous dining opportunities, many social events, and its adherence to maritime traditions. Members also support a deep commitment to the greater Venice community’s non-profit organizations with grants to them by its member-funded Charitable Foundation and its volunteer board of directors.

Gathering regularly in a private home during 1950, the Venice sailors drafted a charter application to the Florida State Department for approval to form a yacht club in Venice. With the charter granted in February 1951 and with an agreement the founding members made to lease a new, separate dining room for club meetings and social events in the Tarpon Center Resort, a Florida fishing camp, owned by George Gibbs, the new, semi-private Club was launched and in business for its members’ enjoyment. the new semi-private club was in business. 

After electing a board of directors and officers and establishing by laws, the founding members began to enable the 3rd plank in the club’s charter that they had written: 

“To encourage the education of the young people in the community in the science of navigation, the art of sailing and small boat handling by the sponsoring of a pram squadron, and/or other sailing and power boat squadrons as are approved by the Board of Directors.” Guided by those words, members of the new club solicited funds from local merchants to purchase plywood and built small sailboats, called Prams, based on the 1947 dinghy design by Clark Mills of Clearwater, FL. Some 40 youngsters in Venice responded to newspaper ads for youth sailing. The youth sailing squadron, later named “Pram Fleet,” sailed into Roberts Bay in January 1952 with volunteer instructors, all members of the new club

  The Clubhouse Story

The next priority was to address the rapidly growing membership (from its founders to 118 charter members to 135) with membership applications streaming in the mail. The board of the Club voted to make it a private, members only Club in 1953. By 1957, outgrowing the leased space and continued growth in membership, an expansion committee was formed to search for waterfront property to construct a clubhouse and docks. Designs were drawn. But without tangible real estate or other major assets, funding with a bank loan was impossible. The members then authorized the board in 1959 to form the Venice Realty Corporation to sell debenture bonds to members to fund a land purchase and construct a clubhouse and a few docks. The new Corporation needed a state-approved charter to proceed. Receiving the charter’s approval took another year. Never before had the FL state department received a charter application that involved the sale of debentures to raise funds in a private club. After the charter was received, coupled with the successful purchase of the bonds by its members, the club broke ground for the new building in 1960 on Roberts Bay, on land purchased from Colonel Vincent Dixon, the last head of the Venice Air Force Army base, soon to be de- commissioned. Notably, the bonds were redeemed just ten years later. 

Highlights – Clubhouse & Property Improvements

• 1961 The completed clubhouse was commissioned and opened along with 12 docks 

• 1962 A swimming pool and outside veranda to the main dining room were added.  An outside snack bar was added that would later become the Tiki. 

• 1976 The outside veranda was enclosed & air conditioned, later extended in 1982, and renamed, the Bay Room. Docks were expanded later on the waterfront. 

• 1986 Additional docks were acquired on the south side of Higel Park, adjacent to the VYC’s property, including a 2-story apartment building, a swimming pool, and parking spaces. 

• 1996 The clubhouse closed for one entire year for major expansion, including a second floor. 

• 1997 The clubhouse re-opened with its new 2 nd floor bar, conference room, dining room, expanded first floor, outside restrooms, showers, and laundry for visiting boaters. It was the largest financial investment since the club’s founding. 

• 2006 Planning began for a major dock expansion project that would involve thousands of  hours and several years of perseverance by the marina committee and the board. 

• 2011 The dock expansion project was completed raising number of docks from 48 to 68. 

• 2017 A major expansion of Pearson’s Cove was completed along with the creation of the  Commodore’s Room located at the north end of the main dining room. 

▪ 2018 Renovations of first floor rest rooms and the entire 2 nd floor were completed.

Continual redecorating and significant infrastructure improvements have continued through all the years since 1961, with perseverance and oversight by the House, Marina, and Finance Committees, focused to the continuous enjoyment of the club’s members.

Founded by sailors, the Club has a long and illustrious history of the sailing prowess of its members. Boasting a long line of dedicated volunteers, Fleet Captains of Sail lead the sailing boaters, they host a monthly sailors’ dinner, and manage the “Joy Club,” a club within the club, for its members to sail the club owned sailboat. Sailing in recent years has become more important to the yacht club after sailing waned in the 1990s and early 2000s. In the past few years, these Fleet Captains have raised the level of sailing to higher visibility, given that sailing is an important legacy in the history of the club. 

In 1969 Dr. Charles Koch won the Midget Ocean Racing Club’s 50-mile run from Tampa to Sarasota. In early 1977, Morton Levine’s “Omega” was the first boat flying the yacht club’s burgee to compete in the 500-mile race from St. Petersburg to Isla de Mujeres, a barrier island near Cancun, Mexico. Later, Levine was elected Commodore of the Florida Ocean Racing Assn.

In 2015 “Fruition,” owned by Bill Gately, was in the Tampa to Isla de Mugeres race, in the second worse weather in her 38-year history of ocean racing. In 2017 by then Fleet Captain of Sail, Captain Bill entered “Fruition” in the historic St. Petersburg Yacht Club to Havana Race, the first after its 58-year suspension. 75 boats entered; only 21 finished due to weather. “Fruition” was one of those 21 with a second place finish in her class, less than 54 feet.

“Cat’s Meow,” owned by Jim Liston, was for years one of the most continuously racing sail boats docked at the club in competitive races conducted by the Venice Sailing Squadron, comprised of VYC sailing members as well as other sailors in the greater Venice community.

Adult Regattas Two of our current sailing members sponsor annually the Windjammer Regatta, a Sarasota to Venice regatta in March and in April, the Sharks Tooth Regatta. Both regattas solicit scholarship donations for the club’s sponsored youth sailing 501(c)(3) organization. In true sailing tradition, skipper’s breakfast meetings begin the day, scoring rooms are set up in the club’s “Ready Room,” and the regattas begin with great joviality until the boats are in the Gulf when the serious racing begins. At the day’s end, there are awards with great camaraderie.

Power Boating

As the yacht club grew in size, so did the number of boat owners, both sail and power. Today there are more power boats than sail boats. Power boaters, under the leadership of the members volunteering for an annual term as Fleet Captain of Power, have joined together for years, beginning in the 1960s in what were then and for years later called “rendezvous.” Today they are called “cruises” to destinations all along the west coast of Florida. In earlier years the “rendezvous” schedule included voyages to various points in the Florida Keys and up the eastern side of Florida, the Atlantic coast. In September the cruise schedule begins and ends in May. Volunteering member boaters plan each cruise for dinners aboard or on land and fun. During summers, boaters in groups, encouraged by the Fleet Captain, conduct self-designed one-day or multiple-day cruises.

Sailors and Boaters Unite

For the community In mid 1980s VYC sail and power boaters made their boats available for “Sun Downer” hosting cruises to benefit the South Sarasota County unit of the American Cancer Society.

And in the Club Weekly Fleet Captains’ Luncheon, co-sponsored by the Fleet Captains of Sail and Power, is a popular weekly event begun long ago. All members are invited. There are presentations on a variety of topics including safety and navigation by members or outside speakers. Great camaraderie occurs as boaters, sailors, kayakers, and other members hear about wondrous cruises taken by members, deep diving expeditions, sailing from Texas to Florida across the Gulf, its perils and triumphs, and multiple discussions about safety and the requirements for emergency preparedness at all times on the water and in dock.

Maritime Traditions

The legacy of our founding members for maritime traditions is honored and respected. 

Retreat Ceremonies are held frequently with all past Commodores and the current board of directors participating. Marching to the flagpole, a hush falls on all other attendees, a bugle sounds with “Call to Arms” and later “Taps,” a cannon is fired, the Fleet Chaplain’s invocation is given, the “Star Spangled Banner” is sung, and the American flag is lowered and folded.

Memorial Day celebrations begin with the Memorial Wreath Ceremony at Sea Two of our young sailors in a Whaler follow the parade of boats into the Gulf that forms a V. The Whaler enters the V, and then the Fleet Chaplain provides a prayer in memory of all club members that departed us in the previous 12 months. A sailor solemnly lays the wreath on the sea. “Taps” is played. Returning from the Gulf, boats pass the reviewing stand at the club’s dock, each receiving a blessing from the Fleet Chaplain, with names of all aboard each boat announced as they drop memorial flowers into the water.

Memorial Day Retreat Ceremony During this solemn event the names of departed members are read. Surviving spouses or family representatives receive a memento that is a contribution from the yacht club to its charitable foundation in memory of their loved one. A band entertains with appropriate music making it a beloved, solemn, patriotic, and commemorative event.

“Commodore’s Cup,” a perpetual reminder of the Club’s commitment to youth The event is co-sponsored by IOBG and VYBA. It provides a unique educational opportunity for the sailors after their day’s regatta. In honor of all past commodores, they march with them and board members to the flagpole for the Retreat Ceremony. Afterward VYBA presents the Commodore’s Cup first to the president of the Venice Chapter of the Intl. Order of the Blue Gavel who then presents it to the current yacht club Commodore. Afterward winning sailors receive awards for the day’s races. It then turns to a swim party for the sailors with food and beverages for all attendees.

Association Memberships

U S Sailing Association The club is a long-time member, important because the yacht club has continuously supported area boys and girls in coming here to learn about sailing and having fun on the water.

Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC) One of the 13 original founding members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, the club has frequently hosted all of the member club’s representatives at meetings. Three past VYC commodores were elected FCYC Commodore, Eugene R. Bibbins, Robert Spaulding, and in more recent years, Audrey Rice (the first female Commodore of the VYC and of the FCYC).

International Order of the Blue Gavel (IOBG) The Venice Yacht Club chapter of the IOBG was launched in 1985 when Past Commodore Roger Isphording was elected as its first president. An active member chapter of the IOBG, currently two past commodores serve the IOBG nationally: 

▪ Joseph Dombrowski, president of District 8 of the Southeastern Region and former president of the Venice chapter, and 

▪ Bud Higginson, president of the IOBG in the United States, having served on its finance, nominating, and annual meeting review committees previously and before that, as president of District 8, after his presidency of the Venice chapter.

Community Commitment by “Giving Back” In 2010 the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation was funded initially with five original, major contributors to “give back” to the greater Venice area community. With an all-volunteer board of directors, the Foundation has since 2011 provided $542,494.00 focused to: Youth Boating, Health/Education, Veterans/Active Military, Environment, & Civic Improvement.

Social Events Founded for the enjoyment of boaters and those who want to be associated with them socially, the club has a long history of parties and events that have been high on the members’ social calendars. Parties began in December 1951 when the fledgling club held a “Shipwreck Party” with members in attire as if shipwrecked on a deserted island.

Monthly Parties, often with costume themes, are planned by the Entertainment Committee.

Monthly ladies luncheons are popular, always with a special program or guest speaker.

Weekly bingo games occur on Tuesday evenings with member-hosts and callers and prizes.

“Clubs within the club,” open to all, have developed such as a computer club, a fishing club, a golfing group, a wine club, bridge groups, mahjong groups, a book club, a poker club, and others of unique interests through the years. 

Love and Cookies Luncheon: Annually members bake cookies, and in a morning they package them as gifts for Tidewell Hospice patients’ families during December holidays.

Gourmet Dinners , introduced in the mid 1990s, continue with exquisite table settings in accord with the theme of the multi-course menu of the evening with servers in white gloves offering enticing, upscale presentations of the various courses. A gourmet committee plans the dinners in long meetings with the Chef. The kitchen team, servers’ team, and the Chef deliver an evening of elegant, upscale dining, comparable to fine dining establishments anywhere.

Ladies Night Out has become an annual tradition, a fashion show, but more importantly gifts purchased by club members for unique organizations focused on needs of children. For ten years, this event contributed to Books and Pajamas for Children, a national organization.

Black Tie Events: Highly attended, annual black tie events are: Candlelight Ball in December, the Commodore’s Ball in January, and New Years Eve with music and the Chef’s special menus for the occasions. Special Events, often called “road trips,” are organized such as a recent visit to Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, theatre trips to Tampa or Ft. Myers, baseball or football games in Tampa, and horse racing at Tampa Downs.

Investing in Habitat in Humanity through the club’s charitable foundation, with both grants and club member-supplied labor, has enabled new houses for families in the Venice area. Assisting Hunger: Organized by the charitable foundation, members team together frequently to assist in unpacking food and shelving it at All Faiths Food Bank that distributes the food. Parties for members’ children are held at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, and special events for children occur in Memorial Day, July 4 th , and Labor Day weekend celebrations.

The club continues a long tradition of excellence in the preparation and service of food and beverages for members’ enjoyment. Continual improvements in kitchen equipment through the years coupled with a highly professional kitchen team headed by our Chef meld together to provide members great enjoyment for themselves and their guests.

Providing frequent menu changes, and not one, but two menus daily Tuesday through Sunday, one for the main dining room and one for the Tiki, is challenging but a challenge well met! In addition special menus for themed monthly parties and the formal black tie occasions are delivered with service of excellence by the professional team of servers.

Professional service, excellence in food quality, menu variations, and food presentations, receive rave reviews from members, guests of members, and visiting boaters.

Focus on Youth in the community: “Right side up...on the water...and in life!”

With the founding of the “Pram Fleet” in 1952, the yacht club has continuously encouraged sailing for boys and girls in Venice with lessons and classes that have always been open to the public with no requirement for parents’ membership in the yacht club. Originally lessons were taught by volunteering sailing members.

As aging sail boat and accessory replacements became necessary, insurance costs were increasing. Club member-instructors were dwindling, and hiring qualified, paid instructors was required. Transfer of the expense and the operation was required somewhere, somehow.

The solution was that youth sailing was incorporated as a separate organization from the yacht club in 1969 as Venice Youth Boating Association, Inc., (“VYBA”) with the agreement to remain on yacht club property, be supported by the Club, but with its own board of directors. Initial directors were the 5 incorporators of the organization, all members of the yacht club. 

In 1972, the new organization was granted 501(c)(3) non-for-profit status by the IRS, enabling it to apply for grants, and to solicit and accept donations, tax deductible for donors. Operating today with expenses of approximately $200K, one full time sailing director and other part time coaches, it flourishes, with about 150 sailors in summer and 30 to 40 during the school year. In addition to occupying one dock space and adjacent land of the yacht club, the board of directors provides an annual, significant gift to VYBA as a line item on the club’s budget. The VYBA hosts its annual Venetian Cup Regatta and holds several other events annually for its sailors and their parents at the club.

Operating all year long under US Sailing, employing U S Sailing-certified coaches and instructors, its programs include a school year program, a school spring break week-long program, adventure sailing, classes for polliwogs, advanced sailing, sponsorship of a local high school sailing team, adult sailing lessons in summer, and a robust summer “learn to sail” program. It hosts a weekly adult Twilight Sailing group who sail in VYBA-owned 420s.

In its 67 years of operation, first as the Pram Fleet, then continuing as VYBA, over 5,000 Venice area boys and girls have learned to sail at the Venice Yacht Club, a remarkable achievement for a small yacht club in a small town!

Our young sailors have received multiple awards for community service in cleaning nearby islands and Higel Park and demonstrating an environmental sensitivity by eliminating all disposable plastic of any kind.

From its humble beginnings and the vision and commitment of a small group of sailors, followed by temporarily meeting for 10 years in a leased restaurant at a Florida fishing camp, today the Venice Yacht Club is a robust, thriving organization, in a beautiful clubhouse with 68 docks for members’ boats. It is a club with astute financial management and fiscal responsibility, all focused to the enjoyment of its members. Numerous committees filled with volunteering members combine to make the Venice Yacht Club a vibrant, wonderful place in Venice, a Florida-west coast paradise on Roberts Bay with fast access to the Gulf of Mexico.

The dedication to member enjoyment is paramount for the entire team at the club from the highly maintained and manicured facilities, the marvelous service at every dining venue, to its creative culinary team, from the front desk to the management...more than just a yacht club! The Club is a proud member of the FCYC, the IOBG, and U S Sailing.

The Club has an exciting focus for the Venice community through its member-sponsored charitable foundation, and it continues its support for youth development through sailing as pledged in the words of its founders. Above all, this Club’s membership honors and respects its legacy in the true spirit of its founding members: 

“A maritime tradition situated on beautiful waters, highly valuing enduring friendships of common interests and having fun together.” 

Member Clubs

What does your council do for you, “multiple club privileges with first class experiences”.

The Florida Council membership offers multiple club privileges without having to pay multiple club dues. Enjoy social and dining privileges at a collection of 37 private clubs in the state of Florida, offering excellent marina facilities as well as casual and fine dining options. Some clubs offer golf and tennis as well.

Each one of the Council Clubs offers the caliber of service you would expect the amenities and family events that make visiting a pleasure.

We invite you to experience for yourself the convenience, variety and fun that make Council membership so special.

More Clubs, More Choices, Welcome to Council Life! On behalf of all of the Council Clubs, we look forward to the pleasure of serving you.

Learn About Our Member Clubs

Together we are Charting a course for a better community

Dear Fellow Club Members: 2023 exceeded all of our expectations! Our Club’s Charitable Foundation received more than 200 donations from yacht club members, their friends and families, and we thank you all for your generosity! Your kind gifts allowed us to provide support and needed services to 26 different organizations in the Sarasota area. The 2024 grant cycle has begun, and we have already started to receive grant requests from many area nonprofits. We look forward to a successful 2024, starting with the special wine auction in January, followed by the February 18 Ride and Walk for a better community! What a great beginning to the year! This month we are highlighting NAMI, another wonderful organization VYCCF supports—with YOUR help! NAMI (The National Alliance for Mental Illness) of Sarasota and Manatee counties offers support to families and those individuals affected with mental illnesses. Millions of people are affected by mental illness and this number grows exponentially when one factors in families, friends and caregivers of those suffering. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults experience problems with mental illness each year, with 1 in 20 having a serious mental health crisis. In the young population, it is hardly any better with 1 in 6 experiencing a mental health disorder yearly. By the age of 14, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins and by age 24, 75% are manifesting symptoms. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those 10-14. And the numbers within the veteran populations are staggering. NAMI was established in the late 1970s around a kitchen table in Madison, WI, and is now one of the nation’s leading voices advocating on mental health. Today, NAMI boasts 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations who work in communities to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. Here in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, NAMI helps more than 10,000 residents annually suffering from mental illness and their families. This help might take the form of support groups, finding specific resources, helping with legal and medical resources and any aspect of life which is being negatively impacted by the individual’s mental health. “Mental illness is like a cancer of the mind,” says Barbara Isaacson, VYCCF’s Ambassador to NAMI, “and I am honored to be a part of this wonderful organization.” ~ Barbara Isaacson , Venice Yacht Club’s Ambassador to NAMI

Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VeniceYachctClubCharitableFoundation/ updated: December 2023 Currents

Dear Fellow Club Members: Thanks to all for your support of our Club’s Charitable Foundation by coming out to the October blues night--it was a smashing success! Mike Imbasciani and his BluezRockerz is gaining a huge following here in Southwest Florida and it’s expanding! We are grateful he carved out time for this special performance. Your support enables our Foundation to continue contributing to so many worthy groups working hard to improve the lives of our fellow citizens here in the Venice area. This month we will profile Good Samaritan’s Pharmacy & Health Services:    Known informally as Good Samaritan’s RX, this organization was founded in 2008 in nearby Nokomis. The mission: to provide free prescription medication (as well as over-the-counter meds) to uninsured area residents. Good Samaritan actually provides a full circle of care beginning with in-office medical evaluations, to on-site prescription refills. The group also helps clients apply for free long-term help to acquire brand-name medications through manufacturer-patient assistance programs. Through their partnership with Sarasota Memorial Hospital, advanced diagnostic testing is available at no charge. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists all donate their time to this cause. They now have a volunteer physiatrist seeing patients, which has been very popular.    This is a gem in our midst--helping approximately 600 people throughout Sarasota County and is a great example of a community-based organization. ~ Cheryl Cook, VYCCF’s Ambassador to Good Samaritan’s Pharmacy and Health Services, Inc. In other Charitable Foundation news: our fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2023. We made total donations in the amount of $130,000 during 2023. We now look forward to kicking off the 2024 grant cycle. Thanks to everyone who made 2023 so successful! Hope to see you on November 2, for our donor appreciation night. Sunset room, 5.30, when we have a chance to say thank you, buy you a drink, and offer appetizers! There will also be three grant check presentations. Appreciatively, Barbi Richardson

Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VeniceYachctClubCharitableFoundation/ updated: November 2023 Currents

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So you've always wanted to join a Yacht Club.  Well now's your chance and you don't even need to own a Yacht.  In fact, this Yacht Club is Yachtless! That's right, we're not about YACHTS we're about PEOPLE!

If you're looking for a social club for meeting wonderful people, dining, dancing, and just having fun, then look no further.  If there's one thing we know how to do, it's have fun.  All club functions and activities are run and supervised by our club members.  In addition to two social evenings a month, we also host a variety of activities throughout the month.  Our proximity to the intercoastal waterway is also ideal for canoeing and kayaking.  Our monthly newsletter is called, "The Yacht Yarn." 

How's it sound so far?  We've only mentioned a few of the goodies.  For more information on our club and how to get in on all the fun, contact , Sue Rogers, Membership Director (330-990-4995).

Set sail with us soon, we would love to have you on-board. 

Use the links below to learn more about the South Venice Yacht Club!

Announcements

Board of Directors Contacts

Calendar - All Club Activities

Calendar - Dinner Dances

Club History

Dinner Dances

Hall Rental (download)

Membership Application

Members Only Website (password required)

Newsletter - Yacht Yarn

Volunteer Opportunities

50-foot sperm whale beached on sandbar off coast of Venice, Florida

Update: The whale has died. Find the latest here .

Officials attempted to help a 50-foot beached whale off the coast of Venice Beach in Florida on Sunday. Officials initially estimated that the whale was about 70 feet long, but by Sunday night they estimated it to be 50 feet long and 50,000-70,000 pounds.

The City of Venice said the whale is located on a sandbar about 50 yards out from Service Club Park. Units with the Venice Police and Sarasota County Sheriff's are assisting Mote Marine Laboratory scientists with the whale, which was identified as a sperm whale.

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Police have closed off the entrance to the park so scientists and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission could assess the whale's condition.

As of late Sunday, officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it was too rough to approach the whale to give it a sedative and their best option was to try again on Monday.

Whale slowly dying

According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune , a part of the USA TODAY Network, by late morning, hundreds of spectators lined the shore to see the whale.

Gretchen Lovewell, Mote Marine Strandings Investigation Program Manager told the Herald-Tribune that the agency received a call about the whale being spotted on a sandbar about 150 yards from the beach at around 8:30 a.m.

The whale then moved to the closer sandbar. Lovewell said the whale which needs to remain in deep waters to survive is slowly dying. Officials said that as of Sunday night, the whale was still alive but had labored breathing.

Scientists from several agencies including Mote, FWC, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, University of Florida, and Sarasota Dolphin Project, are monitoring the whale’s breathing, the Herald-Tribune reported.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 50-foot sperm whale beached on sandbar off coast of Venice, Florida

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