detroit yacht club starlight circle

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Steeped in Tradition

THE DETROIT YACHT CLUB on Belle Isle has been a going concern since 1868. In all those years, very little has changed — and yet, very much has changed. Tradition thrives in the DYC, but the club has put a modern twist on what it offers.

“We love our traditions. We wouldn’t change them,” Commodore Patricia Thull O’Brien said. But DYC is actually several dozen clubs within the club, O’Brien said. It offers something for just about any interest.

The annual Officer’s Ball, held in January, is the No. 1 tradition. It’s a black-tie affair complete with trumpeters announcing guests, a receiving line and a several-course meal, followed by dancing to a live band.

One of the members’ favorite parts of the ball is the Grand March, where diners follow club officers into the ballroom and “march” around to music. The march was first used in the Waldorf Astoria in 1808, and it’s possible DYC is the only place still holding it year after year.

Other DYC traditions include the annual blessing of the fleet. Venetian Night usually is held in August, when boaters decorate their docks to a theme. There’s an annual fleet review, where boats parade past club officers for a salute. A Commodore’s Coffee is held after new officer elections. There’s a classic boat and car review each Father’s Day, too.

“Not only do we have traditions, we have a fabulous architectural history,” O’Brien said.

DYC began with a small clubhouse and boatshed in Detroit. Three buildings followed before the current 93,000-square-foot building was completed in 1923 at a cost of more than $1 million. Noted Detroit architect George Mason designed it in the Mediterranean Revival style, and it is the largest yacht club building in the U.S. Its upkeep is supported by a 501c3 foundation.

The 3,000-square-foot ballroom, one of the largest in Detroit, is more than three stories high. Its ceiling is crossed with painted beams, a typical Arts and Crafts movement detail. The Scarab Club in Detroit, a gathering spot for artists since 1907, has a similar feature. The yacht club’s solarium, called Peacock Alley, has a Pewabic tile floor and was designed after the lady’s lounge in Waldorf Astoria. The chandeliers are from the Dodge mansion, Rose Terrace.

“In the past, there were gentlemen’s areas that obviously now are coed. Women were an afterthought at the clubhouse,” O’Brien said. A women’s locker room was added later, and O’Brien is the second woman commodore.

Another commodore, Gar Wood, is renowned for the mahogany runabouts he built and for setting world speed records on water with his speedboats and early hydroplanes. He was commodore when the current clubhouse was built. The harbor now has 384 berths.

But tradition and a historic building aren’t enough to maintain membership in modern times. So, close attention is given to its member’s changing tastes. Today, live bands play in the Starlight Circle band shell on summer weekends. There are clubs for members who enjoy kayaking or golf. A rod and gun club caters to those who enjoy fishing and shooting. A libations society puts on dinners and tastings. There are clubs for those interested in bicycling, books, fine arts and gardening, among other things.

DYC’s summer camps for kids include sailing and swimming. And when it’s DYC’s turn to host the weekly swim meet, the ladies’ locker room is full of giggles, as team members get ready for the dinner dance that follows.

The DYC’s membership increased by about 20 percent in the past couple of years, to more than 700 families. The 149-year-old club continues to thrive in modern times.

Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki is a sailing enthusiast and retired Detroit Free Press reporter.

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Detroit Yacht Club: A Storied Legacy of Elegance and Community

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Belle Isle Park in the heart of Detroit, the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime history. Established in 1868, the DYC is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. Over the years, it has become an iconic symbol of elegance, camaraderie, and community. With its breathtaking views, historic architecture, and a deep-rooted passion for boating, the Detroit Yacht Club continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike.

The DYC boasts a magnificent clubhouse, an architectural gem that exudes timeless grandeur. Designed by renowned architect George D. Mason, the clubhouse showcases a unique blend of Georgian Revival and Colonial Revival styles. Its stately columns, intricate detailing, and sweeping verandas create an ambiance of refined sophistication. The clubhouse serves as a gathering place for members, offering a wide array of amenities including dining facilities, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a private marina for docking members’ yachts.

Beyond its remarkable architecture, the Detroit Yacht Club is renowned for its vibrant social scene and active boating community. Members share a passion for the open water, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship. The club organizes numerous regattas, sailing races, and boating events throughout the year, attracting sailors of all skill levels. Whether it’s competing in a race or simply cruising along the Detroit River, the DYC provides an unparalleled platform for boating enthusiasts to connect, learn, and indulge in their shared love for the water.

In addition to its boating and social activities, the Detroit Yacht Club plays a vital role in the local community. The club has a long-standing commitment to philanthropy, organizing various charitable events and fundraisers to support causes that benefit Detroit and its residents. From providing sailing opportunities to underprivileged youth to hosting educational programs on water safety, the DYC strives to make a positive impact beyond its membership. Moreover, the club has played a part in the revitalization of the Belle Isle Park, working closely with local authorities to preserve and enhance this cherished natural treasure.

As the Detroit Yacht Club enters its next century, it remains a beacon of elegance, unity, and maritime heritage. Its rich history, breathtaking clubhouse, and unwavering dedication to boating and community make it a true gem in Detroit’s cultural landscape. Whether one is an avid boater, a lover of history, or simply seeking a place to connect with like-minded individuals, the Detroit Yacht Club continues to offer an unparalleled experience. With its commitment to tradition and its eye towards the future, the DYC is poised to leave an indelible mark on the city’s landscape for generations to come.

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Detroit Yacht Club Weddings

Exclusive, Luxurious, Intimate. These are the words that come to mind for us when we think of Detroit Yacht Club Weddings. The grandiose interior and exterior surroundings of the DYC can provide you and your significant other with distinguished photo opportunities and lifetime memories; whether you plan to have a small, intimate celebration or a lavish, substantial event. Here’s what you need to know about the Detroit Yacht Club, along with a few considerations.

Brief History of the Detroit Yacht Club

The Detroit Yacht Club is located on Belle Isle, surrounded by the majestic Detroit River. The Club is one of the oldest and largest Yacht Clubs in the world. Envision welcoming your guests to a sumptuous Mediterranean-style villa, brimming with intriguing artistic riches and stunning architectural designs. Consider the magnificence of captivating your guests with all-encompassing riverfront views and the brilliance of the Detroit skyline as your personal backdrop.

The Club has a combination of large and intimate spaces, where they can accommodate gatherings of varying styles and sizes. Their professional food and beverage team is ready to impress you with a wide range of savory, artfully presented culinary delights.

Reception Areas & Guests That Can Be Accommodated

1. The Ballroom Located on the second floor, the Ballroom has vistas of both the Detroit River and the Detroit Yacht Club Harbor. You can expect to enjoy a stunning veranda that wraps around the entire length of the room with doors allowing access outside. You can fit up to 400 people into this lovely space.

2. The Fountain Room The Fountain Room is also located on the second floor, and is a spacious area with a bar, overlooking the Detroit Yacht Club Harbor and the Detroit River itself. The fountain was discovered during renovations and restored in 1993. This room can accommodate both ceremonies and receptions, and can fit up to 175 guests in this space.

3. The Sweepstakes Room Originally the Billiard Room and located on the third floor, the Sweepstakes Room is perfect for smaller weddings, dinner events, and showers. You can fit up to 72 people into this area.

4. The Trophy Room If you want an intimate wedding in a room filled with history, then you should consider the Trophy Room. They have many well-known trophies here, including one commissioned from Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1919. You can fit up to 50 people into this space.

5. Star Light Circle Located outside of the Grill Restaurant and Port Haven on the first floor, this space overlooks the Detroit Yacht Club Harbor and is a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony. It has two large oak trees that serve as a focal point for the Bride and Groom with the Detroit Skyline as the background. You can fit 150 people into this space.

Cost Considerations

With the Detroit Yacht Club, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$20,000 at this venue. Please also know that if you are not a direct member of the club, there will be a $500-$800 room rental fee. To hold your ceremony here, there will also be an additional $800 ceremony fee. (Prices are current as of 02/21/2020.)

Other Considerations

Your wedding package with the Detroit Yacht Club will include the following services: – Cake Cutting & Serving of Wedding Cake – Champagne Toast – Room Set Up of DYC Supplied Items & Cleanup – Double White Linen Tablecloths – White Napkins – Use of China, Silverware, & Glassware – Stand Up Microphone – Podium – Valet Service

You can also rent the following items: – Projector – Screen – Flipchart & Markers – Easel – Colored Napkins – Coat Check Services

Real Weddings at the Detroit Yacht Club

Maryniak wedding, detroit yacht club wedding – throwback series.

Photographed on August 20, 2016

Intrigue Photography is a husband and wife team of Northern Michigan wedding and elopement photographers, who value getting to the heart of you and your story. The end result allows you to be present, in the moment, and to completely enjoy your wedding day. They photograph weddings, elopements and engagement sessions all over the State of Michigan.

© 2012-2022 Intrigue Photography | All Rights Reserved | Sister Sites: Michigan.Photography & Framed By Nature Photography

4236 Kings Corner Rd., Glennie, MI 48737 | 313-355-9355

Ashley & Sy

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Architecture | Planning | Preservation

Detroit Yacht Club Restoration Master Plan

The 94,000sf Detroit Yacht Club, the largest yacht club in the world, was built in 1923. The Architect for the clubhouse was George D. Mason, the designer of the famed Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. He borrowed Mediterranean design elements for this spacious stucco and red tiled roofed clubhouse. Little work had been done to update building systems or adapt space to the needs and expectations of a multifaceted membership. Recommendations for site development included responding to the axis proposed in the original site plan, new entry image design with a landscaped courtyard, park like development at each end of the island, efficient parking lot design, redesign of the Starlight Circle for weddings and celebrations, and establish a Watergate Promenade. Building rehabilitation recommendations included the major renovation of the ground floor areas to serve the growing membership and the restoration of the second-floor area to serve the DYC Banquet and Conference clientele. The DYC is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Detroit Yacht Club Restoration Master Plan, Detroit, MI

Architecture, planning, historic preservation.

Weddings: Comport/Weber

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Comport/Weber Kristen Comport and Brandon Weber were united in marriage during an outdoor ceremony held Oct. 11 at the Detroit Yacht Club’s Starlight Circle. A reception followed at the yacht club. The bride appeared in an ivory-colored beaded and lace A-line gown and carried an arrangement of pale pink and ivory roses with stephanotis. Sara Fedewa of Birmingham attended the bride as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were the bridegroom’s sister, Kyla Hemler of Medeira, Ohio; and friends Kristie Grupe of Royal Oak, Natalie Rensi of Trenton, Tracy Jones of Brownstown Township, Stephanie Gandee of Detroit and Carrie Martin of Chicago. Zac Urban of Berkley and James Gossett of Austin, Texas, served as best men. Groomsmen were the bridegroom’s brothers, Ryan Weber of Denver, Colo., and Brent Weber of Stevensville; and friends Shane Ray of Belleville, Vita Randazzo of Rochester and Ryan Daniels of Austin, Texas. The bride is the daughter of Charles Comport of Lincoln Park and Susan Comport of Riverview. Parents of the bridegroom are Gerald and Christine Weber of Stevensville. The newlyweds, residents of Berkley, took a honeymoon cruise of the Southern Caribbean. The bride, a graduate of Riverview Community High School, and bridegroom, a graduate of Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Michigan. A Spanish teacher at Riverview Community High School, the bride also earned a master’s degree from Marygrove College in Detroit. The bridegroom, a physician assistant, also earned a master’s degree from Wayne State University.

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Detroit Yacht Club

The Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868, is the largest and one of the oldest most prestigious private Clubs in North America. The current DYC clubhouse, located on a private island along the banks of the Belle Isle Park in Detroit, is of Mediterranean design and was completed by George Mason in 1922. Mr. Mason also designed the Gem Theater, Masonic Temple and the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

The Detroit Yacht Club has been the center of Detroit society since opening its doors and continues a proud tradition and a strong commitment to excellence and quality service for all members. Our members and their guests enjoy a first class dining experience, along with an outstanding variety of social and recreational events, athletic, health and fitness services.

Whether your interests are expanding your social activities, making new friends, sailing or power boating, competitive sailing in our Flying Scots’ program, lounging by the Olympic size pool, casual or fine dining, the DYC undeniably has it all. DYC offers singles and families of all ages more amenities and more activities than any other private club or marina on the Great Lakes.

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• Detroit Yacht Club

July 25 2015 | 10:00am to 12:30pm

This tour is SOLD OUT! Please call Rebecca at 313.833.1801 for wait list information.

Tour includes lunch!

The historic Detroit Yacht Club was founded shortly after the Civil War in 1868 and has served as host to over 100 years of U.S. presidents, local statesmen, royalty and the Hollywood elite. It remained viable through the Great Depression while serving five generations of members and families. The health and vitality of the DYC is evident in the beautifully maintained 1920s Mediterranean-style villa that continues to be the largest yacht club in the United States and the 12th oldest.

Please call Rebecca Hope at 313.833.1801 for more information.

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Detroit Yacht Club Foundation    |    One Riverbank Rd  Detroit, MI 48207   |   (313) 757-5240

In addition to its primary mission to restore and preserve the historic clubhouse of the  Detroit Yacht Club, the DYC Foundation also provides educational opportunities for the public to visit and learn about this unique and architecturally significant structure on Belle Isle.  Free public tours are offered on scheduled dates each year.  Tour availability is publicized in various media, and reservations are made using Eventbrite.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic’s social distancing and other restrictions,  no tours are currently scheduled.  Once circumstances change so that tours can be safely offered, we will announce a limited schedule. 

​The photos below provide some representative interior views of the historic 1922 clubhouse.