History

In 2004, Hurricane Charley destroyed our Clubhouse. But our members would not be defeated, and after almost 2 years, the new facility was opened to members in 2006, better than ever. We continue to offer our members the finest opportunity for waterfront dining, socializing and boating on Charlotte Harbor.

We offer numerous clubs for our members to participate in, including tennis, kayaking, Ladies bridge, Slam bridge & couples bridge, mah jongg, book club, a singles group, and even a club for Newcomer members. Our Entertainment Committee puts together a wonderful array of social events throughout the year. The Fleet Activities Committee offers numerous boat cruises for both sail and power boaters, from lunch cruises to a 2 week journey, which is kicked off each year at the annual Cruise Fever Party. BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE - you need not be a boater to join Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club!! It’s just another benefit of being a member.

Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club was founded in 1973, when 33 people pledged $1392 to pick up an option to buy a five acre piece of property overlooking Charlotte Harbor. Title was passed in September 1973 and groundbreaking for the Clubhouse took place on September 19, 1974. Thirty five years have passed since our Founders began their quest, and Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club is testimony to their vision.

We joined the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs in 1975, and now our members enjoy reciprocal privileges at 38 clubs throughout the state of Florida, from Pensacola to the Keys, and from Miami to Jacksonville.

In addition to our Family and Individual memberships that are available, in 2008, we introduced the addition of Intermediate & Entry memberships, as a way to entice membership for younger adults in the community, which are offered at substantially discounted rates. In fact, we are currently offering INCREDIBLE discounted Membership incentives, and entrance fees will never be as low as they are right now.

Tradition is what we do best…………our monthly Sundowners ceremony on the waterfront is filled with honor, formality and patriotism. The Board of Directors and Past Commodores parade past the members in full dress uniform, and lower the flag in a time honored traditional ceremony, complete with cannons.

Membership in CHYC also includes membership for Ladies in the Harbor Lites group, which is a group that meets monthly for goodwill, community support and fellowship. They offer luncheons, fashion shows, an annual Christmas Bazaar and social games such as Bridge and Mah Jongg. For the gentlemen, a similar organization called Harbormasters meets every month for lunch, takes frequent road trips to places like boat manufacturing plants, US Sugar, boat shows and more.

The spring of 2009 will also be the kickoff for the new Youth Sailing program. A three ton boat lift is being installed to launch small boat sailing vessels, and licensed sailing instructors will be available to teach children and young adults how to sail.

Additionally, CHYC has installed a boater’s pump out station for all area boaters. For those who are members of CHYC and members of FCYC, there is no charge for the service. Charlotte Harbor boaters who are non-members may also use this service at a very small nominal fee.