About Us
Boating, Beach, Bay and More
Captiva Island Yacht Club is ideally located on the beautiful island of Captiva. From our front decks, we enjoy magnificent beach and sunset views. We invite members to bring family and friends to our beach, so they can experience relaxing there under umbrellas. From the Commodore’s Porch we overlook Buck Key, a nature preserve between Pine Island Sound and Roosevelt Channel. This peaceful key can be explored with our kayaks, canoes or paddle boards.Our History
For 35 years the Captiva Island Yacht Club has provided an outstanding dining, social and boating environment that is friendly, comfortable and inviting.The idea of a Yacht Club was first floated in 1983 by founding Commodore Walter Decker. By the fall of 1984, 18 charter members had come together. Thanks to Lloyd Wright of ‘Tween Waters, they negotiated a lease to use the Canoe Club on the corner of the ‘Tween Waters property; and in January 1986 our club opened for business. The following year the Board of Directors acquired the property directly north of that first clubhouse, and equity shares in the club were sold.
Construction began in December 1987 and in October 1988 our present facility was officially opened. Numerous social activities and imaginative cruises were planned for the 150 members. In 1991-1992 our docks were first expanded, and the yacht club applied for admission to the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. In September 1994 the Florida Council included CIYC in its membership.
By 2001 a club manager was hired. Our club has continued to grow—now more than 500 members--and has gone through several remodeling and upgrading projects, including the latest, new docks. Throughout the years the club has worked hard to meet its challenges and to keep members engaged. A former officer said, “It is important not only to get new members, but to make them feel welcome, get them involved. They are the ones who will stay with us. Forming friendships and feeling so attached to those friends and to CIYC is very special.”
Amenities and Activities
There are many ways our members stay involved. Some participate in the cruises planned by our Fleet Captains, with popular destinations such as Naples, Sarasota and Boca Grande, and lunch cruises to Parrot Key, Rum Runners, Snook Bight Marina among many others. There are many social events and activities --wine tasting dinners, dock parties, fashion shows, the Captiva Lighted Boat Parade, beach parties, Holiday Celebrations, historical society films, and our environmental educational programs. We also have offered trips to San Francisco, Newport, Rhode Island, Cuba, Bermuda and Annapolis.Our club is largely a volunteer organization. We encourage every member to be involved in committee assignments, and it’s through those efforts we remain vital and successful.
Reciprocity
Full reciprocity is available to all FCYC members with a current membership card from their respective club. An 20% service charge will be added to meal and bar checks and the bill sent to your club. Additional gratuities may not be added to charges--cash tipping only. Reservations may sometimes be restricted for special events at the club.Restricted reciprocity is available for the Yachting Club of America members for two times during our fiscal year. Use of our club facilities requires a letter of introduction prior to your visit, current membership card at the time of your visit. Payment via Master Card/Visa or Discover. Please call the Club to request reservation availability.