st petersburg yacht club dues

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 36 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. Be sure to make reservations and ask about any dress code or restrictions.

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The Life & Lies of St. Pete’s Founding Mother, Part II Sarah Judge

The life & lies of st. pete’s founding mother, sailing into history:  the st. petersburg yacht club.

Founded in 1909 by a small group of sailors, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club had no dock or clubhouse. What they did have was a common interest in boating and the belief that the waters of Tampa Bay were special.  Their first outing consisted of twenty boats carrying about 100 members and guests to Blind Pass. That's a pretty impressive turn out for a city with a population of only about 4,000 citizens.

 The lack of a proper yacht basin stymied the organization's growth for a few years until two local newspaper men called a meeting on the evening of May 30, 1916. Seven prominent local  men rallied to lead the charge to incorporate the club and raise funds for a proper clubhouse. On June 23, 1916 articles of incorporation were drawn up and filed with the county clerk. Just shy of its first anniversary, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club formally opened their clubhouse on June 15, 1917.

Located on the northwest corner of Bayshore Drive and Central Avenue, the Spanish Mission style clubhouse was designed by architect George W. Stewart and was roughly 100 feet by 75 feet. The St. Petersburg Times marveled at the imposing waterfront structure stating that "its  pleasing interior and spacious porches offer a center for the social activity of its members and guests."

The club did have a slight setback when on October 25, 1921 hurricane force winds damaged some porches and pushed several feet of bay water into the structure. As with other damaged structures in town, repairs were quick to happen and ready the city for the wintering tourist season.

As membership soared during the next few years, it was all too clear that an expansion was needed,  and on December 21, 1922 the new wing was opened. The clubhouse more than doubled in size, offering the finest of amenities to its members and guests. And plenty of spacious porches to take in the beauty of clear bay waters. Additional clubhouse improvements occurred over the years, with a major renovation and construction of a multi-story garage in the early 1990s.

From card games, social meetings and dancing, a bevy of activities could be enjoyed off the water. Water-based activities taught boating and sailing skills to its members young and old. Events consisted of power and sailing races, regattas, and for the adventurous yachtsmen, The St. Petersburg to Havana Yacht races.

The first race to Cuba was organized by George Gandy, Jr. on March 30, 1930 with 11 yachts competing.  With the Pier serving as the staring points, racers finished 284 miles later at the Morro Castle near the entrance to Havana Harbor. The races served as the forerunner to the Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC).

The St. Petersburg Yacht club has a rich history, and the membership rolls over the past century were literally a Who's Who list within the city. Today, the Yacht club is in the headlines with the news that Club leadership have a tentative goal to replace the current 51,000 sq ft structure with an improved facility to withstand major storms by 2028-29.

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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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St. Petersburg Yacht Club

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St. Pete Yacht Club’s redevelopment plans inch forward

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s leadership now has a tentative goal to demolish the waterfront landmark – first opened in 1917 – and build anew in fiscal year 2028-29.

Members received the latest project update Monday. The email, obtained by the Catalyst , followed several Building Replacement Oversight Committee (BROC) meetings from July 2023 through February.

The update describes a “bottoms-up approach” to determine site utilization and maximize construction resources primarily provided by club dues. The Yacht Club has completed a property survey at 11 Central Avenue, soil tests and gathered information regarding city ordinances and easements.

The Feb. 27 BROC meeting minutes state that global engineering firm Skanska will lead the master planning phase and prepare conceptual designs to share with city officials and members. Pre-cast concrete massing models, which illustrate what could fit at the site, provided two building options that include 48,500 square feet of airconditioned space and a pool.

“Now that we know the most we can put there, we have to start thinking about what we want to put inside,” said rear commodore and project spokesperson Joe DiVito in a subsequent interview. “That’s going to take a series of meetings with a whole group of people and committees.”

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

He expects members to discern how much space they want to allocate for a new restaurant, ballroom and meeting areas in six to 10 months. Stakeholders must also decide if they should build a new parking garage.

The Yacht Club built the current structure in the 1980s to withstand a Category 1 hurricane. DiVito said withstanding a Category 4 is the new building standard, and officials are receiving cost estimates to bring it up to code.

“By the time we finish construction, we’re going to have a 45-year-old parking garage,” he added. “Choice two is tearing the whole thing down, building the parking garage underneath the club and building the club above it. That has not been decided.”

Mother nature is playing a prominent role in the project. The “ Great Hurricane of October 1921 ” forced a complete rebuild four years after the Yacht Club opened.

Hurricane Ian highlighted the need for a more environmentally resilient facility when it hit Southwest Florida in late September 2022 and decimated several similar yacht clubs.

An unnamed hurricane caused significant flooding to the facility in October 1921. Screengrab.

In addition, stakeholders expressed the need for a new elevator, roof and pool deck, an updated kitchen and electrical repairs. In June 2023 , former club president Brian K. Smith told club members that an expensive remodel would still not comply with current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.

The building’s floor elevation is six feet below building standards, and FEMA rules mandate a complete replacement if storm damage exceeds 50% of the facility’s appraised value. DiVito said those factors could influence the construction timeline.

“It could change based on costs, based upon storms – hurricanes that we get – any number of factors,” he explained. “We don’t know what the costs are going to be in four and a half to five years – so, it might take a little longer,” DiVito added. “And we could have somebody say, ‘I’d like to give you x amount of dollars to help with construction,’ and we could start earlier.”

According to meeting minutes, Yacht Club officials will meet with the city’s historical preservation staff to obtain demolition approval. The document notes that organizations, such as Preserve the ‘Burg, may want to “voice their opinion.”

While there is a 50-foot height restriction above base flood level, the Yacht Club could build up to 75 feet with city approval following a public hearing. The emailed update states that there is time “to be thoughtful and methodical prior to officially engaging the team that will deliver a timeless, elegant and functional clubhouse that embodies the spirit of our prestigious club while meeting the needs and aspirations of our members.”

The Yacht Club has already started building a new event pier and 475-foot floating dock. DiVito said the existing structure is over 50 years old and was becoming a “real problem.”

The new pier will better accommodate regattas and several other events hosted at the facility. “We tackled that first, and I think it’s going to be a tremendous asset to the club and the community,” DiVito said.

Contractors install concrete pilings for a new event pier and floating dock at the Yacht Club. Photo: St. Pete Yacht Club.

March 13, 2024at8:45 pm

This has a very good chance of bankrupting this club. Ask treasure island and Sarasota. Let’s hope they learned from the current docks debacle.

March 13, 2024at1:10 pm

As an 8yr member of the club, I cannot wait to see this building demolished and built a new. St Pete and Preserve the Burg should still maintain that historic look, while updating the entire property from the inside out.

March 13, 2024at12:09 pm

There is need and then there is reality, no one knows how they are going to pay for this, the target figure is around $54M, who knows in 5+ years. I do not support “if its old, pull it down” ideology …FEMA or not, this concept would endanger a large percentage of Downtown St Pete (and most coastal areas). The new marina they are building is now way behind schedule and costs gone from $5M+ to 8M+. Not sure where 2400 members (apron 3400 individuals)are going to go for 2 years. I thing SPYC Board has an agenda, which is not shared by all members.

Scott Simmons/Cast of Characters

March 12, 2024at10:30 pm

I live in Mexico, but my grandfather was a PAGYC Commodore. I thought this was insane until I saw Joe DiVito was involved. I trust Joe and his good judgment. The world is changing and it gets hard to keep up. Thanks care caring Joe!

Hugh Hazeltine

March 12, 2024at5:57 pm

It was in 1990 that the SPYC proposed to close the easternmost section of 1st Ave. North that passed through south Straub Park. We had a weak Mayor/City Manager form of government then and an agreement was reached to close the street and allow the footprint of the club house to expand. The St.Petersburg now Tampabay Times has archived articles about the process. The renovation that was completed 1992 is how the site looks today.

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OUR MEMBERSHIPS

Current memberships offered, year round golf membership.

• Unlimited Golf with No Green Fees
• Full Tennis Access
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Clubhouse Privileges
• Reciprocal Social and Dining Access at a Local Private Yacht Club

This membership category is available to those that qualify at 45 years of age and above. It provides access to golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, dining, and clubhouse privileges throughout the year. Single and family memberships are available. Please note that family memberships are extended to one’s spouse and dependent children under the age of 25 living at home. The membership must be in the name of the senior spouse.

Intermediate Golf

One would quality for entry into this category at age 44 or younger. Privileges include access to golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, dining, and clubhouse privileges throughout the year. Single and family memberships are available. An intermediate members will pay into a full golf initiation cost when they age up into the next category.

Taxes will apply to initiation and monthly dues. Annual driving range fees apply.

YEAR ROUND TENNIS MEMBERSHIP

• Unlimited tennis access on our 11 Har-Tru Courts
• Golf privileges once monthly at guest rate
• Social and Dining Privileges
• Swimming Pool Access

Initiation Fee Full Tennis: $500

SINGLE MONTHLY DUES Full Single Tennis: $175

FAMILY MONTHLY DUES Full Family Tennis: $210

$50 Monthly Food and Beverage Minimum

YEAR ROUND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

• Golf and Tennis once monthly at the Prevailing Guest Rate

Initiation Fee Social Initiation: $250

MONTHLY DUES Social Monthly: $115

All social memberships are extended to spouse and dependent children under 25 years of age that are living at home. Fitness center, and Tampa Bay Community access may be added individually to tennis and social memberships. Please note that Social Membership does not provide access to our practice golf and tennis facilities.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A TOUR OF OUR FACILITIES

Ashley Grimaldi SPCC Membership Director

727-867-2111 extension 317

Click Here for Membership Inquiries Email

St. Petersburg Country Club

2000 COUNTRY CLUB WAY ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33712 (727) 867-2111

FRONT DESK (727) 867-2111

PRO SHOP (727) 864-1595

© 2024 St. Petersburg Country Club.

• Tampa Bay Community
• Golf Pro Shop & Lessons
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• 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.

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