Club History Overview
The Isles Yacht Club was founded in 1976 and accepted into the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, FCYC, that same year. The membership fee was a $500 negotiable bond and the food minimum was $20. By January of 1979, the Club had already reached its initial goal of 400 members!
While in its initial location on West Marion Avenue, the Club went through the usual chapters of growth, improvement and changes that are common to most organizations. For example, a Facilities Improvement Program was undertaken in the early 1980’s. With voluntary donations and labor, the Club acquired two new tennis courts, new telephone and fire alarm systems plus an enlarged Chart Room and office space. During the 1998-99 Watch, the Board brought in an outside consultant to plan the Club's "future." The consultant's report expressed a need for a long-term plan to keep the Club viable and meet member interests.
The Isles Yacht Club was the first Club in the FCYC to have a female Commodore; occurring in the 1996-97 Watch.
In August 2004, Hurricane Charley inflicted severe damages on the original clubhouse. Within days of the storm, the membership erected a tent in which they continued to function and bond. After the hurricane, the membership decided to build a new main clubhouse building. In the interim, they settled themselves into a modular facility next to the "rising" new clubhouse.
November 2006 saw the opening of the beautiful clubhouse we have today. It was during this "time of change" that more slips were added to the marina, new Har-Tru tennis courts were installed, and the modular building was transformed into a well-equipped fitness center, Dockmaster's office, boaters' lounge, restrooms, additional meeting rooms, and a newly added Billiards Room.
Most recently, the Club has added a fleet of three Harbor 20 sailboats for sailing and racing, installed three Bocce courts and expanded the tennis and Billiards programs. In 2019, a multi-level interior refurbishment process was completed with additional plans for further renovations in process to bring the most opportunity for enjoyment to our growing membership.
With the spirit and sacrifice shown by the members, the Club prospers today with 900 members, plus numerous programs and activities to meet members' varied needs and interests.