Pelican Yacht Club

About

The Pelican Yacht Club is a private, member-owned (equity) yacht club that provides marina services, dining and social facilities, and organizes boating and fishing activities for its members and visiting boaters. The club was founded in 1946 by Frank Rowell and Robert Gladwin, purchasing land and buildings from the U.S. Navy. Over the decades, the club has added various facilities, including a pool and dining options, and was rebuilt after a fire in 1988. In January 1993, it converted to an equity (member-owned) club. The club has hosted an annual Invitational Billfish Tournament for multiple decades, highlighting its long-standing commitment to fishing activities.

Facilities

The club features a variety of amenities, including the Sunset Cove restaurant and Crow’s Nest bar, which offer indoor dining rooms with water views. There are also event and wedding venues, a fitness center, spa and massage services, a large swimming pool, showers, and guest check-in services. For boating needs, the on-site marina includes a 93-slip marina with easy ocean access via Fort Pierce Inlet, a fuel dock providing gasoline and diesel, a ship store for snacks and boat supplies, fish-cleaning stations, and boat ramp access. Monthly and overnight transient slip arrangements are available for visiting boaters.

Accommodation

While the club does not provide on-site hotel or lodge rooms, it offers clubhouse dining and event venues, along with pool and fitness facilities for members and guests. Overnight transient marina slips are available for visiting boaters, providing a convenient accommodation option.

Cruising

The marina offers easy ocean access via Fort Pierce Inlet, along with transient overnight dockage, fuel, and provisioning through the ship store. Its proximity to local services supports coastal cruising and accommodates overnight visiting boaters.

Social Activities

The Pelican Yacht Club has an active year-round social programming schedule, which includes the annual Invitational Billfish Tournament, holiday and themed events such as a Thanksgiving buffet and Christmas Boat Parade, community events like the Turkey Trot, youth fishing tournaments, and regular dining and brunch offerings. Member involvement is encouraged through tournament committees and sponsor programs.

Dress Code

There is no general club-wide dress code published on the public site; however, individual events may specify attire. For example, the Commodore’s Ball requires black tie or dark suit.

Seasonal Operation

The club operates year-round. The marina is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while the fitness center is available from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Clubhouse and restaurant hours are published for regular service days.