Our History

Established 1970

Charlevoix Yacht Club was formally established by a group of local yachtsmen with the publishing of a cruising schedule in 1970. Early Club activities included frequent rendezvous and on-shore social events. In those days, most raced the NORC Circuit with the Red Fox Regatta being the final event of the season. The club prospered and in 1974 leased the Charlevoix Train Depot as the CYC Clubhouse. Members volunteered much time and labor for the major renovation that the Depot needed. Fun was the name of the game and membership passed the 200 mark.

By 1976, the Wednesday night race series was firmly established and local industries were donating “Puffer” sailboats for our sail-training program. CYC became the host club of the Red Fox Regatta and championship regattas of “Flying Scots” and” North American Forties” were hosted. Many traditions and events were established that continue today.

With the loss of the lease on the Depot building, CYC entered another chapter. A core group of members formed the CYC Corporation to buy the building that is the clubhouse today. Lots of volunteer time and effort went into the construction and improvements of the building. That building served as our clubhouse from 1992 until 2021.

Good planning and financial support from enthusiastic members resulted in the acquisition of 207 and 205 Ferry Ave. in 2012. These “annexes” were rented out when in demand and the parking lot has served well to house our trailerable racing fleet of
J22s and Melges 24s.

Almost from the inception of the Yacht Club, members have envisioned a waterfront facility that reflects the character of what a yacht club should be. This vision took shape starting in 2017 when Dave Irish offered the land to build a new yacht club.  Two members stepped forward to substantially finance the program and our new Club at 220 Ferry Avenue was dedicated in 2021.

The new club has resulted in increased membership, volunteerism and an appetite for new events and growth. Join us and help to write the next chapter in our history.