In 2007, Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC) in Sarasota, Fla., leveled its facility and embarked on an ambitious construction project that would transform the club into a spectacular resort-like destination for boaters and non-boaters alike. The club erected a tent outfitted with a kitchen and restrooms on the lawn and its 350 members carried on with their laid-back and convivial way of life while patiently anticipating the completed project. In 2010, the new clubhouse opened and members and guests are thrilled that its clean and warm design makes the most of the club’s waterfront location.
The 22,000-square-foot new construction was driven by members, with their input sought during every phase. Chosen from among 12 distinct architectural styles, the winning style, dubbed “coastal contemporary,” is a melding of Key West style and modern design.
After identifying the design concept, the board then held a competition where they provided bidding architects with a wish list of specifications that included a formal bar and lounge; meeting areas and rooms; a fitness center and pool; a ship’s store; a casual bar; and a large dining room with two dance floors that can be divided into four spaces and served by a common kitchen. The club knew what they wanted, and ultimately, hired Sarasota-based architects, DSDG, Inc., and Tandem Construction to oversee the project.
The new facility opened in 2010, and the club has enjoyed growth in both its membership roster and the amenities and programs it offers. Club Trends had the pleasure of having a lively discussion with three of Sarasota Yacht Club’s key leaders: CEO Bernie Kloppenburg, CFO Ben Wagner, and Member Relations Director Stephania Feltz talked about the club’s ongoing journey. This leadership team is proud of its entrepreneurial spirit, which is reflected in the club’s vast array of activities and dedication to its culture.
No Boat? No Problem!
The yacht club is a haven for boat owners, but the club’s philosophy embraces an abundance of non-boating activities because, as CEO Bernie Kloppenburg declared, “No boat? No problem!” Hosting members for dinner, drinks, dancing, special events and other activities is just as important to the club’s vitality. In addition to the 113-slip marina, members and families enjoy a fitness center, heated pool, two indoor bars, a pool bar, multiple meeting rooms, a waterside terrace and a lunch dock. The grand dining room was designed with no columns, and moveable walls make it possible to host multiple events simultaneously. In fact, it wouldn’t be unusual for SYC to host a business dinner and a rehearsal dinner, hold a line dancing class, and offer `a la carte dining in the dining room all at once.
The fitness program has recently been overhauled and the club offers members a full fitness facility where it hosts wellness programs, bi-weekly yoga classes and personal training with certified instructors. Don’t need a boat for that!
Kloppenburg boasts that SYC’s social calendar would rival that of any other club and, therefore, members who don’t have boats are still thoroughly engaged and vital to the club’s culture. Ever vigilant in fostering camaraderie among all member groups, SYC has developed a new member support program, the Navigator Program. A “navigator” member volunteers to participate in activities and experiences with the new member to help them integrate. Member Relations Director Stephania Feltz emphasizes that the Navigator Program Committee pairs non-boaters with boaters whenever possible so that the non-boaters get a chance to get out on the water and experience that aspect of the club.
Although the facility is modern, SYC has a rich history and cherished traditions. The entire membership is invited to participate in its beloved annual Lighting of the Fleet where they enjoy decorated boats, dine together and await the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The club’s renowned Annual Invitational Regatta is a great source of pride and a treasured event that brings the membership together.
Getting Beyond the Sea Wall
The club’s current calendar is packed with cruising, water and land activities stemming from a dedicated outreach to enhance communications between its boaters and non-boaters. 2016 Fleet Captain Brian Will recently asserted that “all Sarasota Yacht Club members are boaters; some of us have simply made a bigger investment in our favorite pastime.” To that end, the club has a robust cruising calendar with three-day cruises hosted by volunteer members and often including a potluck dinner, games and activities, dinner at another club, and new and renewed friendships.
A reasonable and generous watersports program enables members and their guests to use the club’s kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats for a nominal annual fee ($150-$300). In addition to offering sailing classes and lessons to both kids and adults, the club also frequently sponsors excursions to the mangroves nearby, guided eco tours, and a variety of leisurely water activities for members of all generations and interests.
Engaging Families and Youth
The club provides a safe environment for kids with ample opportunity to nurture a love of the water and develop their sea legs. In addition to sailing classes and lessons, the club runs a wonderful, in-demand summer camp. Each recreational session enables campers ages five to 16 to explore sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, outdoor games, cooking and to enjoy the water equipment. Campers are exposed to conservation, wildlife appreciation and safety concepts.
Additionally, SYC is currently furnishing its new Kids Zone to provide a welcoming, entertaining area for children so that families can all enjoy the club. Gingerbread house workshops, trick-or-treating on the dock, and kid-centric social events make families feel welcome. It’s an important aspect of the club’s upscale, yet decidedly unstuffy culture: kids are welcome and they are allowed to act like kids.
Looking Toward the Horizon
In each of the last three years, the club has gained 150 new members, and the roster is currently at 818. For the always-popular Friday evenings, they may very well be at capacity; however, Kloppenburg says “there is a lot of white space for much of the week,” which means they will continue to work toward growing the membership.
Working off a five-to-10-year strategic plan, they cite several areas for improvement, expansion and redevelopment, pledging to remain focused on the club’s mission and vision. Kloppenburg says, “It’s all about the members and the team melding together to be the best we can be; always adapting to change for success.”
While everything is in the planning stages, Sarasota Yacht Club will likely invest in a substantial expansion of its clubhouse, build a sailing center and redesign the recently resurfaced marina so that they can build another dock to accommodate an additional 36 boat slips. The leadership team predicts that SYC will soon be the largest private marina in Florida. They look forward to opening a tapas bar in the outdoor sail-shaded area soon. The 400-square-foot store located in the lobby is being converted into an upscale tasting room to complement the club’s award-winning wine program. Additionally, they see a lot of possibility when they look out at the green space that is used for concerts and social activities.
CFO Ben Wagner says, “So far, Sarasota Yacht Club has not compromised its heritage, mission, vision, services, or member wishes as it has evolved.” This is evidenced by recent, well-deserved accolades, such as being named a Distinguished Emerald Club by BoardRoom magazine; earning a Clean Marina designation from the State of Florida; twice being presented with the porcelain plate award by the most distinguished culinary society, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs; and receiving the Club Managers Association of America International Wine Society’s Award of Merit for the club’s impressive wine program. With a thriving, award-winning food and beverage program, a dizzying social and activities calendar, and a team with their eyes ever on the horizon, Sarasota Yacht Club is blowing the status quo out of the water.
Club Trends Winter 2017