Fort Pierce Yacht Club History

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club was organized in 1980 as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida. The Articles of Incorporation require that members have an active interest in yachting activities. The purpose of the Club is to promote yachting and associated activities for both sail and powerboats.

The clubhouse, located on the west bank of the Indian River at the corner of Seaway Drive and North Indian River Drive, was completed in 1986. Many members assisted in its construction and volunteer members provided maintenance of the building and grounds. The Club's dock, recently rebuilt, is located directly east of the clubhouse on the Indian River, with 6-8 feet of water at its end.

In 2004, the clubhouse suffered damage from hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Since then, a new roof has been installed and the kitchen, meeting room, bar and other areas have been completely renovated and redecorated. The clubhouse is available to the St. Lucie County for a minimum of 100 days a year at no cost, is also used by other governmental agencies and non-profit organizations at little or no cost, and is available for private parties for a fee.

Boating activities have included raft-ups, sailboat racing under a handicap system, weekend cruises, cruises to the Bahamas and Florida Keys, island picnics, sport fishing, and Sunfish and multi-hull racing. Social activities include cookouts, potluck suppers, fish fries, dinner dances and barbecues. Volunteering to serve on committees, to host social functions and to serve as an officer or director, is considered to be a duty of members.

During the 1990's, the Club hosted many competitive and invitational sailing regattas in addition to its own boating activities. These events, some sanctioned by U.S. Yacht Racing Union, and others involving Olympic pre-trials, were for a wide range of sailing vessels from sailboards through full-keel racing boats.

Membership meetings are held in the clubhouse on the first Tuesday of each month, usually featuring guest speakers followed by a brief business meeting.