Venice Yacht Club

What Venice Yacht Club does

Venice Yacht Club is a private, nonprofit membership club founded in 1951 and headquartered at 1330 Tarpon Center Drive on Roberts Bay in Venice, Florida. The club operates a 72-slip private marina with fuel dock, pump-out, and up to 100-amp electrical service; four dining venues (Bayside Dining Room, Pearson's Cove, Sunset Room, Tiki Bar); a heated outdoor pool; and organized sailing, power cruising, and paddle-sports programming. The club is a founding member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC) and grants Full Members reciprocal privileges at 36 FCYC member clubs across Florida, summer reciprocal arrangements with local country clubs, and access to a 501(c)(3)-affiliated Venice Youth Boating Association that has served more than 4,800 area youth since 1952.

The operating model is membership-led and subscription-based. Two membership tiers - Full (ages 50+) and Intermediate (ages 21-49) - drive recurring dues and initiation revenue; an annual food and beverage minimum (instituted at $900 by 1986, almost certainly well above that today) underwrites the F&B operation across four venues; marina slip rentals, fuel, and transient docking produce a parallel recurring stream; and private events (weddings, corporate functions, the annual Commodore's Ball) generate professional services revenue through a dedicated catering function. Membership is capped at 750 with an active waiting list implemented in 2022, and prospective members are managed directly by a Member Relations Manager. Distribution is exclusively direct; there are no resellers or third-party channels.

Governance is volunteer-led (Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore) supported by a paid operating team of roughly 14 led by a General Manager/COO. The club is investing: in 2022, it took its largest-ever $2 million Bank of America ten-year term loan to fund a complete kitchen renovation and clubhouse roof replacement - the first project of an updated Strategic Plan - while simultaneously implementing the membership cap, membership-wide bylaw revisions, and a Rules and Regulations review.

Name

Venice Yacht Club

Legal name

Venice Yacht Club

Website

https://veniceyachtclub.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Venice Yacht Club is a private, nonprofit yacht club founded in 1951 in Venice, Florida, operating a 72-slip marina, four dining venues, and sailing and social programming for a capped membership of 750 with reciprocal access across 36 Florida Council of Yacht Clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Venice

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues and Initiation Fees: Annual membership dues with classifications for Full (ages 50+) and Intermediate (ages 21-49) members. Membership currently capped at 750 with a waiting list. Original founding dues were $25/year plus $5 tax in 1951.
2. Food and Beverage Minimums and Sales: Members are subject to annual minimums for food and beverage charges ($900 minimum was instituted by 1986). The club operates multiple dining venues including Bayside Dining Room, Pearson's Cove, Sunset Room, Tiki Bar, and marina snack bar. Revenue from dining services represents a significant income stream.
3. Marina Slips and Services: The private marina generates revenue from 72 boat slips ranging from 25-foot lift slips to 120-foot T-dock, plus fuel sales, pump-out services, and transient docking. The marina was designated a Florida Clean Marina and serves both members and visiting FCYC boaters.
4. Private Events and Catering: Venice Yacht Club hosts special events including weddings, corporate events, Commodore's Ball, and other private functions. The club has venues accommodating up to 180 guests and offers catering services managed by a dedicated Catering Manager.
5. Charitable Foundation Grants: The Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation (VYCCF) makes grants to community charities in categories including youth boating, health and education, veterans and military, environment, and civic improvement. Initial grants of $50,248 were provided in 2011, growing to $111,600 by 2017 and $76,808 in 2013.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Venice Yacht Club is a private membership yacht club founded in 1951 that provides members with a private marina, multiple dining venues, sailing and power boating programs, social clubs, and event hosting on a waterfront facility in Venice, Florida. The club sells Full Memberships (ages 50+) and Intermediate Memberships (ages 21-49), with membership capped at 750, and generates revenue through annual dues, food and beverage minimums, marina slip rentals, fuel sales, catering, and special events.

Product overview

Venice Yacht Club is a private membership club offering a comprehensive portfolio of waterfront services centered on its marina, dining, and recreational facilities. The club operates 72 boat slips at its private marina and provides paddle sports rentals, while its dining operations span four venues: the formal Bayside Dining Room, casual Pearson's Cove, the dockside Tiki Bar with pool, and the second-floor Sunset Room. On-water programs include the JOY Sailing Club with shared boat access, organized regattas (Windjammer, Shark's Tooth, Island to Island), a Power Fleet and Cruising Club, and sponsorship of the nonprofit Venice Youth Boating Association for youth sailing education. The club supports 15+ social activity groups and hosts major annual events, while its Charitable Foundation provides community grants. Full members enjoy reciprocal privileges at 36 Florida Council of Yacht Clubs across the state.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VYC Marina & Slips Private marina with 72 slips ranging from 25-foot lift slips to 120-foot T-dock, offering full-service dockmaster support, fuel dock (diesel and regular gasoline), pump-out, potable water, and electrical service up to 100-amp. Accommodates member boats and visiting FCYC boaters.
• Paddle Sports Rentals Marina maintains a fleet of 3 single kayaks, 1 tandem kayak, and 2 stand-up paddleboards available for member and transient rental through the Dockmaster's office. Paddlers access a floating dock for easy launch.
• Bayside Dining Room Elegant waterfront dining room offering fine and casual dining with panoramic views of Roberts Bay. Features lunch and dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch.
• Pearson's Cove Casual dining area within the clubhouse offering simpler meals with a relaxed atmosphere, available six days a week.
• Tiki Bar Dockside outdoor bar with tropical cocktails, wine, and beer, serving lighter fare and hearty options including appetizers, salads, wraps, burgers, and seafood. Features live entertainment and social events on weekends.
• Sunset Room & Bar Second-floor dining room with views of Roberts Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodates approximately 80 guests and can be divided for simultaneous functions. Features a dedicated Sunset Bar.
• VYC Heated Pool Year-round heated outdoor pool adjacent to the Tiki Bar, offering water aerobics classes and convenient access to restrooms and showers.
• JOY Sailing Club Sailing club providing access to a 33-foot Beneteau for day sailing, racing, and FCYC club cruises without requiring boat ownership. Managed through the Fleet Captain and Dockmaster.
• Sailing Activities & Regattas Organized sailing activities including social sailing, racing, youth sailing support, and annual regattas: Windjammer (February), Shark's Tooth (March), and Island to Island (May).
• Cruising Club & Power Fleet Group for power boaters and cruisers offering organized trips to FCYC clubs and marinas, social events, and activities including the annual Lighting of the Fleet during holidays.
• Venice Youth Boating Association (VYBA) 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sailing organization founded in 1952 offering Learn to Sail programs, race team, camps, adult learn-to-sail, and family night sails for children and adults.
• Private Events & Catering Wedding and special event hosting with multiple venues: Bayside Dining Room (up to 180 guests), Sunset Room (approximately 80 guests), and Commodore's Room (approximately 10 guests). Full catering and menu customization available.
• Club Social Events & Activity Groups Over 15 social clubs and monthly events including Bingo, Bridge (Ladies', Progressive, Duplicate), Kayak Group, Wine Club, Book Club, Mah Jongg, Gourmet Dining, Fishing Club, and Singles Club. Major annual events include Valentine's Day, Commodore's Ball, Easter Bunny Breakfast, Independence Day, and New Year's Eve.
• Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Member-funded charitable foundation providing grants supporting youth boating, health and education, veterans and active military, environment, and civic improvement in the greater Venice/Sarasota community.
• FCYC Reciprocity Program Full membership privileges at all 36 fellow member clubs of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, including reciprocal dining, docking, and social access across Florida. Summer reciprocals include golf and fitness privileges at Sarasota County clubs.
• Boating Menu & To-Go Orders Call-ahead food and beverage ordering service for members residing in slips, those stopping for fuel, or heading out on the water. Menu includes sushi, deli platters, and beverages packed in cooler bags.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,800+ youth have completed the VYBA sailing program since 1952
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Venice Youth Boating Association (VYBA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010VYBA was founded in January 1952 at VYC as the 'Pram Fleet' and incorporated separately in 1969. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches youth sailing, responsibility, teamwork, and boating safety. Over 4,800 area youth have participated. VYBA maintains facilities in the Pram Shed at VYC, with VYC members providing volunteer instructors and ongoing support. VYC's charitable foundation supports VYBA programs.
• Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation (VYCCF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Established in 2010, VYCCF is the charitable arm of VYC and only the second FCYC club member to have a charitable foundation. The foundation makes grants supporting youth boating, health and education, veterans and active military, environment, and civic improvement. Initial grants of $50,248 were provided in 2011, growing to $111,600 in 2017.
• Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionminorOthers · 1 January 2010VYC Marina received Florida Clean Marina designation from DEP in 2010, becoming the 5th marina in Sarasota County and 210th statewide. The Clean Marina Program recognizes environmental commitment and protection of Florida's natural resources. DEP administers the voluntary program through the Clean Boating Partnership.
• Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 1961VYC is one of 13 founding clubs of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC), established in July 1961. FCYC is a representative body that encourages the sport of yachting and manages reciprocity among its 36 member clubs across Florida. VYC was the second club in FCYC to establish a charitable foundation. Membership provides full club privileges at all FCYC clubs including sailing, dining, and social events.
• International Order of the Blue Gavel (IOBG)minorOthersIOBG is a worldwide fraternal organization founded in 1953 for Past Commodores of yacht clubs. It promotes the highest ideals of yachting, preserves traditions, and fosters friendship through social, educational, and humanitarian programs. VYC is an active chapter with members participating in District 8 activities.
• Mission Valley Country ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSummer reciprocal agreement (May 1 - October 31, 2025) providing VYC members with dining, golf, and fitness privileges at Mission Valley Country Club in Laurel, FL. Reciprocal fee: $60 + tax for 18 holes of golf. Part of VYC's summer reciprocal program with Sarasota County clubs.
• Venice Area Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVYC maintains membership in the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, supporting local business community engagement and demonstrating commitment to the greater Venice community.
• Toys for TotsminorOthersVYC annually organizes a Toys for Tots campaign to collect toys for needy families at Christmas time. The program aims to help children experience the joy of Christmas, develop community resources, and contribute to better communities.
• Clean Boating PartnershipminorOthersA consortium of industry leaders contributing time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer, and Clean Boater programs. Members include DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, US Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/VeniceYachtClub
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/venice-yacht-club

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Venice Yacht Club