Naples Sailing And Yacht Club

About

The Naples Sailing & Yacht Club is a private waterfront yacht club that provides boating access, including marina slips and guest slips, as well as recreational sailing, dining, and year-round social programs. Founded in 1964 by Jack G. Messmer, it was originally named the Naples Sailing Club and was incorporated on November 17, 1964. The club was renamed in 1971 and has since grown from a small sailing group to an organized club with an expanded yacht basin and a long-running regatta tradition. In 1996, the club donated its youth sailing fleet to help establish the Naples Community Sailing Center. More details on the club's history can be found in the history book.

Facilities

The club features a waterfront clubhouse with multiple dining venues, including the Lighthouse Lounge and Bayside Dining rooms. There are also event spaces and meeting areas within the club. Dockside dining is available at Slip 82, and the clubhouse offers marina access and viewing areas overlooking Naples Bay.

Boatyard Facilities

The club marina provides berthing with shore power and fresh water, as well as surveillance and guest slips. Major repair work is prohibited on site, and slip lessees must adhere to marina rules and hurricane plans. The club encourages the use of municipal pump-out facilities, with no on-site major boatyard or repair operations allowed. Further details can be found in the boatyard facilities document.

Moorings and Anchorage

The Naples Sailing & Yacht Club operates a yacht basin with a capacity of 81 slips at Marker #40 on the northern shore of Naples Bay. The approach guidance indicates 5 feet at Mean Low Water, and both inside and outside slips are available. Guest slip availability and reservations are managed through the Dockmaster, and slip leases are subject to specific rules regarding residence and duration of stay. More information is available on their guest information page.

Training and Education

The club has historically offered youth sailing and boating safety classes, and the youth sailing program is documented in the club's history. The club's training fleet was donated to the Naples Community Sailing Center in 1996. Current activities include a Sailing Club focused on skill development, and there are safety requirements outlined in the Harbor & Dock Rules, which include guidelines for personal flotation devices (PFDs) for young children and emergency plans.

Racing Activities

The club has a longstanding tradition of sail racing, with weekly races in its early years and continued organized regattas and events. Notable events include the annual Fleet Review, Messmer Cup, and Bone Island Regatta. The club maintains a Sailing Fleet Captain responsible for organizing regattas and race-related activities, as detailed in the club's history.

Cruising Activities

Club traditions include cruising activities and organized cruises, with historical events such as the Rendezvous and Bone Island regatta-cruise. The marina serves as a base for member cruising and social boat outings.

Social Activities

The Naples Sailing & Yacht Club hosts a robust year-round social calendar that includes dock parties, culinary events, elegant galas, and holiday boat-lighting events. There are numerous member interest groups and "Clubs within the Club," such as the Sailing Club, Wine Club, Bridge, Fishing, Car Club, and Pickleball. Member communications are facilitated through the Spinnaker magazine and club announcements.

Dress Code

The club's dress code, effective December 1, 2024, allows relaxed club casual attire before 6:00 PM and smart business casual after 6:00 PM. Specific rules apply to the Lighthouse Lounge and certain events. The summer attire policy permits shorts from May 1 to October 31, and additional specifics are outlined in the club's dress code guidance, which can be found on their visitor dress code page.

Seasonal Operations

The club operates year-round, with a defined in-season social program noted for each month during the season. Summer-specific programming is also available, including the Year Rounders group that meets during the summer months. The summer attire policy is in effect from May 1 to October 31, as referenced in their seasonal operations page.