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Rich in history and tradition, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States. Established in 1909 and having been completely renovated in the early 1990s, the Club is located on the beautiful waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. A gathering place for avid boaters, it is also one of Tampa Bay’s most prestigious social venues.

The mission of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is to encourage and support yachting, and provide a comfortable social environment for our members and guests, while preserving and enhancing the Club’s traditions and prestige. 

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From the Commodore:

St. Petersburg Yacht Club has been a leader in the American sailing community for 102 years. Becoming a founding member of The National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame was in line with our core traditions and values.

Tito Vargas, Commodore – St. Petersburg Yacht Club

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History

St Petersburg’s city fathers had ambitious plans for their commercial docks: create waterfront parks and a yacht club. The St Petersburg Yacht Club was founded in 1909.

Following the reclamation and completion of the waterfront, the clubhouse was inaugurated on its current site in 1917. Two years later, 6 Fish Class sailboats were acquired and one design racing began. Several classes have returned annually for over 60 years.

Offshore racing started with the Havana Race in 1930. As forerunner of SORC, both brought sailors from all over the world to Tampa Bay.

The yacht club is famous for its standard of race management and events are run almost all year round.  Juniors learn to sail. Sailors have represented the club all over the world.

For more on our Club’s storied past, please take a few moments to enjoy our Centennial Book (Part 1, Part 2).