Put-in-Bay Yacht Club: Boating, Community, and Lake Erie Tradition
A Private Social Club for Boating Enthusiasts on South Bass Island
Nestled just steps away from the Miller Marina and a short walk from the ferry dock, the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club (PIBYC) is a welcoming and active social club committed to celebrating and promoting all aspects of boating on Lake Erie.
Whether you’re docking for the day, looking for a social connection on the island, or a lifelong sailor, PIBYC offers a unique sense of camaraderie and tradition that spans over a century.
Why Join the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club?
Membership at PIBYC is more than dockage—it’s community, connection, and contribution.
🚤 Member Benefits Include:
- Access to dockage and excellent facilities
- Year-round access to social events like picnics, dinners, and cruise-outs
- Opportunities to engage in sailing, swimming, and aquatic activities
- Participation in youth mentorship and volunteer-driven initiatives
- Reciprocal access to over 700 yacht clubs across the U.S. through:
- Inter-Lake Yachting Association (I-LYA)
- Associated Yacht Clubs (AYC)
- Greater Cleveland Boating Association (GCBA)
- Yachting Clubs of America (YCA)
“Whether you’re sailing in from across Lake Erie or walking down the street, PIBYC is a place to belong.”
Membership Options
Joining the PIBYC is simple and affordable for regular visitors and boating enthusiasts:
- Regular Membership: $292 annually
Full access to facilities, docks, events, and reciprocal privileges. - Junior Membership: $100 annually
Perfect for young adults or beginning boaters aged under 30.
🎯 Membership dues support facilities maintenance, youth programs, and club operations—all driven by member involvement.
A Tradition Rooted in History
Founded in 1886, the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club is one of the oldest boating organizations on Lake Erie. Its founding coincided with a time when Put-in-Bay became a beloved retreat for the affluent and boating elite of the Midwest.
📜 Highlights from the PIBYC’s Rich History:
- 1886 – Club founded with Valentine Doller as its first commodore
- 1923 – Acquired the Bay View House and built a permanent clubhouse and docks
- Post-WWII – Significant improvements led to expansion of programs and membership
- Today – Home to adult and youth regattas, Friday night dinners, and a warm, welcoming boating community
The club has long supported the Inter-Lake Yachting Association (ILYA), which hosts an annual regatta open to both adult and junior sailors—an island tradition that brings together competitors and spectators from across the region.
Social Life & Events
While boating is the backbone of the club, the social scene is equally lively and engaging.
Popular events and gatherings include:
- Friday Dinners at the Clubhouse
- Themed summer parties and fundraisers
- Organized cruise-outs to nearby islands and marinas
- Youth sailing and swim programs
- Community volunteer opportunities
“From Friday night dinners to volunteer-led regattas, there’s always something happening at PIBYC.”
Giving Back Through Volunteerism
At its heart, the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club is a volunteer-driven organization. Members are encouraged to contribute their unique skills—whether it’s organizing events, mentoring junior sailors, or helping maintain the docks.
This spirit of shared responsibility fosters not only a strong sense of ownership but also lasting friendships among members of all ages.
🛥️ Visit or Join Today
If you’re a fan of boating, love the vibrant spirit of Put-in-Bay, and want to be part of a storied community on Lake Erie, the PIBYC welcomes you with open arms.
Whether you’re a lifelong sailor or simply want to enjoy dockside events and island camaraderie, membership at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club is a worthy investment in fun, friendship, and unforgettable summers.
📍 Location: Near Miller Marina, just down the street from the Put-in-Bay Ferry drop-off
🌐 Visit the official website for membership info, events, and more.
“Boating is better when you belong. Join the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club and become part of island history.”
See you at the bay! 🙂