Bradenton Yacht Club

CLUB HISTORY

THE BRADENTON YACHT CLUB was organized, chartered and incorporated May 11, 1946. There were 18 charter members. THE CLUB was originally located in the Memorial Pier building, in the City of Bradenton.

In 1960, THE CLUB rented a building on a small basin west of the DeSoto Bridge. At that time there were 63 members.

A few years later, THE CLUB moved back to the original room at Memorial Pier, with the idea of developing those facilities into a permanent CLUB site. After failing to negotiate an acceptable agreement with the City, THE CLUB decided to look elsewhere for a home of its own.

When a suitable site was located, it became necessary to raise $10,000 immediately. A membership meeting was called at which Life Memberships were offered to each of any ten members who would contribute $1,000. Eight of those present immediately pledged that amount, and a few phone calls produced two more pledges. THE CLUB was on the move!

The present property was purchased in December 1966. Construction on the original structure was started in May of 1967, and completed in January of 1968.

In 1969, an area on the southeast side was screened for dining. Later, with voluntary help, this was enclosed to become what was the Compass Room. In 1972 a new kitchen was added and the swimming pool was built. The bathrooms and office were the last additions.

After many frustrating years, a permit to build a yacht basin finally was issued. Construction was started in 1975 and the basin was dedicated on May 22, 1976.

In 1984, the entrance drive and parking area to the west were blacktopped and landscaped. Lighting for the basin was also installed during that year.

In December of 1985, the long awaited tennis courts became a reality. 
In 1986, indebtedness incurred for the purchase of the land and building became "paid in full", and this momentous event was celebrated at a Mortgage Burning Party on November 21. On July 4, 1987, the popular "Tiki Bar and Deck" was dedicated.

On the 15th of August, 1989, we were voted into the City of Palmetto. 
Within the next two months, on October 22, 1989, the membership voted to build our existing facility. January 19, 1990 marked the ground-breaking for our new clubhouse and construction began with a completion target date of 
August 1, 1990.

We transferred from the old facility into Phase I, which is the existing main dining room, on April 25, 1990. Upon completion of Phase II, our club was closed for only three weeks, which was the time needed for our total transition.

Our new facility was completed and opened full service, food and bar, to our members a few days ahead of our target date of August 1, 1990. Total construction time was only 27 weeks.

On September 22, 1990, we proudly dedicated our beautiful new clubhouse with a grand celebration of dinner and dancing.

Most recently and in time for the busy summer, the pool area was expanded and renovated in 1993.

In December 2001 a renovation of the lobby, Burgee Room, and main dining room was completed making our club one of the most up to date and beautiful clubs in the council.

For Guests and Visiting Yachtsmen, click here is a BYC information pamphlet in PDF  format.

Bradenton Yacht Club

Telephone Directory 

Telephone 941 722-5936

Fax 941 723-6639

Dockmaster Cell 941 374-2310 

Download BYC Brochures in PDF format, click on the links below.

BYC Map and BYC Welcome