Sarasota Yacht Club was organized in 1907 on the north end of Siesta Key. In 1913, the Club purchased land on Gulfstream Avenue and erected a clubhouse that soon became the center of Sarasota social life. After a name change to Sarasota Yacht and Automobile Club, the Club remained active until 1917 when John Ringling purchased the property. Through the remainder of World War I, the Club headquartered the Sarasota Naval Militia.

The present Sarasota Yacht Club was incorporated in 1926. Later, a clubhouse was maintained on Sarasota Municipal Pier from which members sailed their "Fish Class" fleet, winning numerous championships. The government leased the Club property in 1943 for the duration of World War II for use as an Air Force base for crash rescue boats. SYC regained control of its property in 1946 with the payment of $100 to the government for improvements made to the site, mainly two barracks buildings, which served as a clubhouse for many years. In 2010, Sarasota Yacht Club opened the doors to its newly constructed clubhouse, which its members enjoy today.

The Ringling family is deeply rooted in the history of Sarasota Yacht Club. The Ringlings were active participants in the development of the Club as landowners and Club members. Some of their contributions included the donation of land for the Clubhouse and Robert Ringling’s time spent as Commodore in 1927.

1910: The Sarasota Yacht & Automobile Club clubhouse on the Club’s Gulfstream Avenue property during the 1910s.

1917: Beginning in 1917 the Sarasota Yacht and Automobile Club headquartered the Sarasota Naval Militia for the remainder of World War I.

1940: Henry Ringling North donated land on Coon Key to SYC in 1940. Beginning in 1943 the property was used as an Air Force Base for crash rescue boats for WWII.

1958: A new Clubhouse was built in 1958 with restructuring additions in 1963, 1971, and 1978. Other key dates include 1962 when additional land was purchased for Club expansion and 1977 when the Club’s mortgage was burned.

2007:  In 2007, SYC further enhanced its presence in Sarasota by constructing a contemporary building. After an investment of close to $15 million, the Club celebrated its grand opening during the weekend of April 23, 2010.

1100 John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236      
(941) 365-4191      
sarasotayachtclub.org