Joining The Detroit Yacht Club is a “Simple” Choice
Published: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 7:00 am
By: Detroit Yacht Club
In the past few years, it’s no secret that private clubs and marinas across the Great Lakes region have felt the wake of the sputtering economy. Despite economic woes there are still glimmers of hope, like a beacon of light in a dense foggy storm. Where might that be you ask? In a city that has been deemed by some as one of the most financially depressed cities in the USA. Yes, Detroit, Michigan.
Nestled on its own private island off the banks of Belle Isle, which is the largest island park in America, there is one of the finest social, boating and family clubs on the Great Lakes. With over 140 years of staying power, the Detroit Yacht Club is not only here to stay, but looking forward to another bright and financially positive year. With an outstanding management team, culinary staff and board of directors who are all intensely dedicated to providing the best overall value to their members, the Detroit Yacht Club has attracted in excess of 200 new social and boating members in the last two years.
Many of you are probably asking the same question that I did: what is so different about the DYC that makes it so attractive? The answer that I got from Commodore Bryan Barlow (Board President) was: “It’s simple.” And you can imagine the look on my face as I said, “Simple?”
He then explained, “It’s the people; our outstanding members who are just regular people like you and I. Add that to an incredibly beautiful venue, with more amenities and activities than any other club that I have ever visited. Then add the camaraderie, the new friendships, and an array of year-round social, boating, family and athletic activities to top it all off. For the added bonus, throw in some of the very best food in the entire Detroit area, all at reasonable prices, and you now have something truly special.”
Through the worst of economic times, the Club has managed to continue to make necessary capital improvements and upgrades. They have put in a new bridge to the entrance of the club, new roofs, expanded the outdoor dining patio and added more patio furniture, replaced the canopies on the outside veranda and expanded their new “Boatique” store. They are also planning several other improvements such as new ladies locker room showers and a new outdoor grand stair case leading from the second floor Veranda to the main boardwalk. Other projects under consideration are the rebuilding of three docks and power upgrades to meet the needs of newer, wider boats. The Club is also boasting about its beautiful new sign that is displayed out front, which designates the DYC as a National Historic Site. This designation is not just a name on a list; it also allows for potential access to grants to help preserve the historic landmark building and for the Club to set up an additional 501c3 Foundation to allow for tax free donations for the preservation of the now historic building.
With a resort-like feel and events from the Children’s Holiday Party – with over 150 kids awaiting the special arrival of Santa Claus along with his elves on their actual red sleigh; an outdoor lighted skating rink and giant kids snow fort for weekend winter fun; the Easter Brunch with over 500 members and a petting zoo; the Father’s Day Antique Boat and incredible Car show; to the proud Presenting Sponsors of the 2012 Gold Cup Hydroplane Races, the Detroit Yacht Club is pulling out all the stops and creating the value necessary to keep the Club vibrantly moving full speed ahead into the future. Visit www.dyc.com for more information.
