Page 12 - Life in Naples November 2018

It was determined that once the Club reached 200 members,
NYC would begin building its Clubhouse. In January 1960,
construction began. During construction, disaster nearly struck
as Hurricane Donna bore down on Naples with winds of 180
miles per hour. While the storm devastated downtown Naples,
the Club sustained only minor damage, and the Club was
formally dedicated on December 15, 1960.

A Rich Heritage

Naples yacht club members share

in the passion of excellence

Throughout the years, the Club’s membership has steadily
by Brenda O’Connor
risen to attract those who continue to seek the beauty and
t all began in 1947 with just three charm of this boater’s paradise. With membership by invitation
friends and the shared dream of a only, Naples Yacht Club has continued to build on its traditions
boater’s paradise. Stephen Briggs, of excellence to stay the distinguished Club of choice by
Benny Morris, and John Glen expanding and growing to exceed the needs of its Members.
I Sample envisioned a thriving The Naples Yacht Club was built by pioneering Members
Naples Community, but something was with a strong vision and a passion to help make a stronger
missing, a place to celebrate the traditions community. That tradition continues with the soon-to-be-
of the water and a place that would bring completed $10-million renovation project well underway. Slated
families together. What Naples needed to open in the spring of 2019, the new Clubhouse will maximize
was a private establishment, thus what the views of beautiful Naples Bay, and offer NYC Members
would be the city’s first and oldest private club began. more opportunities to enjoy outdoor dining and cocktails.
In the early years, Naples Yacht Club (NYC) held informal Today, Naples Yacht Club is transforming what it means to
“meetings” that more aptly resembled parties with the Members belong to an exclusive club. Steeped in a tradition-rich, active
and their friends. Many of the early Club functions were hosted social season, NYC offers its Members opportunities to connect
on the famous Mangrove King, a rather peculiar-looking craft with those that share your passions and interests through
that sported cocktail tables on the foredeck. The King’s successor, its “Club within a Club.” Whether you are a wine lover, car
the Mangrove Queen, was a two-story houseboat moored at the collector, or cruising aficionado-NYC fills Members lives with
south end of 14th Avenue South in a slip that would now be new experiences. For food lovers-NYC’s Master Chef has a
the middle of the Club’s south parking lot, and she served as the passion for creating the unique and unexpected.
Club’s administrative headquarters in those early years. If the soul of the Naples Yacht Club is its Members, then the
heart is its cruises. Each year lasting memories and friendships
are formed on overnight cruises and shorter one or two day
cruises to Florida destinations. Naples Yacht Club is a founding
Member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.
NYC is recognized as a “Distinguished Club” award recipient
and elected a Platinum Club of America, NYC. Both of these
distinctions can only be attained by the finest clubs offering a
world class member experience.
The three founders would be proud to see that their vision for
a private Club, founded on the ideals of camaraderie, community,
and meaningful connections has come to fruition in Naples Yacht
Club as we know it today.
12 Life in Naples | November 2018