Overview
Detroit Yacht Club, founded in 1868, sits on its own small island off Belle Isle in the Detroit River, in a Mediterranean-style clubhouse dedicated in 1923 that the club describes as the largest yacht-club clubhouse in the United States. It keeps 380 slips on seven docks around the island, with transient dockage by reservation for members of reciprocal clubs from more than 50 miles away. Racing has deep roots here: the spring Memorial Regatta (100th running in 2016) and the September Sweepstakes Regatta (120th in 2018), a summer evening Off-the-Dock series starting and finishing at the main dock, and a fleet of club-owned Flying Scots for learn-to-sail classes and racing. The club has sponsored hydroplane racing since 1921 and is a US Sailing member club and founding member of the Detroit Regional Yacht-Racing Association.
- Founded
- 1868
- Clubhouse
- dedicated 30 Aug 1923; 93,000 sq ft; NRHP 2011
- Federation
- US Sailing, Detroit Regional Yacht-Racing Association, Inter-Lake Yachting Association
- Phone
- +1 313 824 1200
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Memorial Regattaspring regatta held the last Saturday in May, finishing in the Detroit River off the clubhouse; 100th running in 2016
- Sweepstakes Regattafirst Saturday in September; 120th edition in 2018
- Off-the-Dock series (club evening series)about ten evening races late May–early September for three keelboat classes and the Flying Scots, starting and finishing off the main dock
- DRYA Junior Sailing regattatraditional season-ending junior regatta and banquet
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1868The club is founded shortly after the Civil War
- 1870sA small clubhouse and sailing shed are built at the foot of McDougall Street
- 1891First clubhouse on Belle Isle; destroyed by fire in 1904 and rebuilt at once
- 1921The club begins sponsoring the hydroplane races
- 1923The present Mediterranean-style clubhouse is dedicated on 30 August
- 1924Membership reaches 3,000
- 1940sWomen of the club form the first women's sailing organization in the country, racing the club catboats
- 1960sOlympic-size pool and new docks bring the club to over 350 boat wells
- 2011The clubhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 42°20.93′ N 82°58.43′ W
42.34889, -82.97389 - Address
- One Riverbank Road, Belle Isle
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Sailing Programs (Flying Scot learn-to-sail, advanced class) and Adult Programs.
When was Detroit Yacht Club founded?
In 1868.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Memorial Regatta, Sweepstakes Regatta, Off-the-Dock series (club evening series) and DRYA Junior Sailing regatta.