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Toledo Yacht Club extends a warm welcome to you and your family. While many club activities take on a decidedly nautical Flavor, there is much more to TYC. As the oldest continuously-operating yacht club on the Great Lakes, and one of the oldest in the nation, TYC enjoys affiliations with the Inter-Lake Yachting Association, Associated Yacht Clubs, Detroit Regional Yacht Racing Association and Boat US. Our affiliations provide Toledo Yacht Club members access to virtually any yacht club in the United States and Canada.

The Toledo Yacht Club’s history dates back to the mid-1800s when rowing was much more popular, and power boats were still a dream. A disastrous fire destroyed the frame building on the current site in 1906 leading to the present masonry clubhouse which was completed in 1906. Today’s stately clubhouse continues its historic legacy with a formal dining room, complete banquet and catering service, a third floor ballroom, casual dining in the Den Bar with fireplaces and large-screen televisions. Trophy cases and nautical memorabilia fill every corner of the club, reminding members and guests of the tradition that is still carried on today.
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The first club house was erected in 1878 on Gard Island near the mouth of the Ottawa River.

In 1890, a more elaborate structure with sleeping rooms and a second floor was built.

In 1896, a rival club, the Ohio Yacht Club, unsuccessfully attempted to take over the Toledo Yacht Club's Gard Island lease. Later that year, the two clubs merged under the name Toledo Yachting Association, maintaining city quarters in the Neptune Building in Toledo, Ohio.

When Bay View Park was developed, a 25-year lease was granted to the Toledo Yachting Association, and a wood frame club house was erected at the present site of the club in 1903.

In 1906, a fire completely destroyed the club and all of its historic contents. By 1908, a new steel reinforced concrete Spanish style clubhouse was built on the site. This historic building still remains basically the same and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1976.

Organization

The Toledo Yacht Club is a member owned corporation. It consists of a membership body, a Board of Trustees, and a Bridge of Officers who are elected individually. The Bridge Officers also serve as Trustees on the Board.

Officers

The Toledo Yacht Club is led by its chief executive, the Commodore. Next are the Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore. The club has a Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary. These officers are collectively known as the Bridge. The previous year's Commodore serves as the Fleet Commander and Trustee, and there are five additional Trustees on the Board.

Additional titles of Fleet Surgeon and Historian are assigned by the Commodore, however, they are not members of the board of trustees.

The title Past Commodore is given to members who have served in the office of Commodore. Past Commodores are eligible for membership in the International Order of the Blue Gavel.

A. L. Smith was named the first Commodore in 1865. A full succession list of Toledo Yacht Club Commodores and their respective years of service will be added at a later date.

Membership

Membership in the Toledo Yacht Club is divided into several classes, defined by the club Constitution and By-Laws. (details to follow)

Events

Some of the events hosted by the Toledo Yacht Club include: