yachtclub

The Economy Dooms One of Long Island's Oldest Yacht Clubs

Country clubs and yacht clubs are finding this economy increasingly difficult to navigate. Newsday reports that the Knickerbocker Yacht Club, Long Island's second-oldest yacht club -- at 135 years old -- has shut down and is selling its prime Port Washington waterfront property.

The economy and membership decline doomed the club, which provided many generations with sailing and summer fun. Rising costs and decreasing membership fees meant that club was unable to create a budget that would pay the club's debts and provide sufficient funds for operating costs. The club's remaining 54 members will meet soon to discuss whether or not to continue as a club in name only to keep the tradition going. Membership was once as high as 280 in the 1980s. The club's property could worth between $4 million and $8 million. When it is sold, the debts will be paid and members will vote on what to do with any remaining funds.

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Tags: knickerbocker yacht club, KnickerbockerYachtClub, long island, LongIsland, yacht club, YachtClub

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Offers Discounts

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

As we all know things are tough in the Detroit area but now even the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in posh Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan seems to be struggling. The yacht club sent out mailers last month offering new members a deal that lets them dock their boats for free during the 2009 season and put down only 25% of their initiation fee and defer the rest over 36 months with no interest. The club's general manager told the Detroit Free Press that the club is still doing well although membership stand at about 850, down from 900 to 950 in recent years. Local marinas are also finding the wait lists for boat-well rental space getting shorter and shorter. The yacht club offers swimming, tennis, bowling, an outdoor bar and fine dining. The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club's roots reach back to 1914 and the 18th century Italian Renaissance style clubhouse was dedicated on July 4, 1929.

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Tags: grosse pointe shores, GrossePointeShores, michigan, yacht club, YachtClub