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Grosse Ile Yacht Club

Thank you for your interest in the Club with one of the finest views on the Great Lakes.

Year-round enjoyment for members of all ages is provided through the many boating and non-boating activities sponsored by the Club. It is also recognized as a special place for social and business entertaining.

In addition to an excellent full service dining room, the Club has a well respected instructional sailing program for people of all ages. Its naturally protected harbor affords convenient access to deep water and is just minutes from local fishing, sailing, swimming, and rendezvous locations.

Questions regarding membership and club activities may be directed to the Membership Chairperson or Club General Manager and a personal tour may be arranged.

Historical Overview

In 1934 a small group of men interested in sailing discussed the idea of starting a boat club. The first meeting, held on Captain Fred Burdeno’s veranda, was attended by fourteen men. The club was incorporated in 1935 with Dayton Burdeno elected as its first commodore. A 45’ x 16’ houseboat was purchased for $500 as a clubhouse and anchored off Burdeno’s Point for 3 years.

Inter-club races and wild game dinners were the main social features of the club around 1935-36. The boats were of various types and sizes which, although making racing difficult, was by no means sufficient reason to prevent this activity. In 1936, Commodore Burdeno presented the club with a perpetual sailing trophy awarded annually to the catboat winning the July 4th race. Another annual event the membership found they could depend on was the sinking of the houseboat when a big northeaster would blow. As with racing, teamwork continued to build with all member coming out to help raise and clean her so that life could continue.

Due to the rapid growth of the Club and the inadequate docking facilities, it was decided to locate a new site. After much deliberation, the present site on Peek-A-Boo Island and a strip of land on Hickory Island were obtained in the fall of 1938 for $7,600.

The land was beautifully situated, heavily wooded, and commanded an unobstructed view of Lake Erie. When the site was purchased, part of the land had to be cleared and members contributed their time to do the work. The houseboat was then towed down and anchored in the channel by Peek-A-Boo Island until 1943, when it was hauled up and placed on the island.

A dock was built, the harbor dredged, and improvements were made on the houseboat. The foundation for a new clubhouse was also put in, but because of the lack of materials (due to WWII) the construction was stopped. The new clubhouse was to be located on the raised point of land which is part of Hickory Island, and would offer a wonderful view of the races for those who didn’t sail, but liked to watch the boats. The clubhouse was finally completed in 1949.

Many additions and modifications were made over the next 45 years. A major renovation was undertaken during the winter of 1994-95. By August 1995, the Club reopened with a new front entrance, barrier free facilities, remodeled interior, renovated gallery, and an enclosed patio complete with a sunken bar to retain an unrestricted view of the Lake. The present membership continues to appreciate the foresight of the charter members.

Year Round Activities and Events

  • Barbecues
  • Clambake/Lobster fest
  • Commodores Ball
  • Holiday Parties
  • Instructional Classes
  • Jazz on the patio
  • Monthly Newsletter
  • Navigation Training
  • Past Commodore’s Club
  • Regattas
  • Rendezvous
  • Sailboat Racing Program (Keel & centerboard)
  • Sailing Instruction
  • Sailmates
  • Theme Parties
  • Travel and Adventure
  • Trophies
  • Wine Tasting

Youth Activities

  • Holiday Events
  • Easter Egg Hunt
  • July 4th Games and Fireworks
  • Santa Brunch
  • Instructional Programs
  • Junior Racing Programs
  • Outdoor Playscape
  • Safety Classes
  • Sailing Instruction

Something for Everyone

The Grosse Ile Yacht Club is a family oriented organization. It has always included both boating and non-boating members who enjoy the numerous social and recreational activities sponsored by the Club. For those times when a slower pace is desired, the Club’s ample waterfront lawn provides the perfect lounging spot to relax and enjoy the cool summer breezes. A wide variety of great foods complemented by attentive service is offered in the Club’s galley for the enjoyment of members and their guests. In addition, many private clubs (both locally and nationally) offer reciprocal privileges for their dining and social activities.

Membership Process

Prospective members are sponsored by a current Club member who will show them around the Clubhouse and grounds, explain Club policies and procedures, and also introduce them to the Flag Officers. To begin the membership process, an application form with the required signatures and the proper initiation fee is submitted to the Membership Chairperson. The application must then be accepted by the Board of Directors for posting in the Cub House for a minimum of 15 days. At the next Board of Directors meeting following the posting period, a vote is cast for final approval. After the approval period, the sponsoring member is encouraged to accompany the new member at Club functions and activities in order to facilitate introduction to the membership.

Persons over 21 years of age are eligible for Active or Social membership. Intermediate memberships are available to persons 21 to 29 years of age. Those who are under twenty-one may join as Junior members. Life Active status is granted to members who have attained the age of 60 and have been active members for 25 years.

Monthly dues provide ongoing support for Club grounds, facilities and personnel.

Questions may be directed to:

Membership Chairperson
Grosse Ile Yacht Club
29677 East River Road
Grosse Ile, MI 48138
(734) 676-0211

Related Items:

Grosse Ile
Yacht Club Web Site

Clubs and Organizations

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