The Naples Sailing and Yacht Club’s iconic lighthouse sits, sun-drenched, at the foot of the Gordon River. The striking yellow exterior and green roof, a beacon to those who come by sea or land, suggests that they may seek sustenance within its walls. For over fifty years, NSYC has served our Naples’ community as a sought-after private boating, social and dining venue.
Updated under the direction of Miami designer Ed Cox in 2018, NSYC offers 32,000 square feet where members can dine, socialize and dance the night away surrounded by their friends and acquaintances, all the while enjoying magnificent views of Naples Bay from every southern window. This member-owned club has flourished under the guidance of General Manager, Manny Blanco, the member Board and the Officer Bridge including the Club Commodore. Al-ways attempting to stay modern, 2015 saw the Club’s first woman Commodore, Linda Butler, while 2020 brings in Scott Schwalback as the Club’s youngest Commodore. At fifty, his ener-getic enthusiasm as well as his extensive knowledge of boating is certain to bring additional life to this already wonderful Club.
Consider allowing Director of Membership and Marketing, Ann Marie Ashline, to take you on a stroll through NSYC. Step beyond the front doors and into the quiet elegance of a coastal life-style, shades of blue and coral against the dark browns of the custom baltic birch floor. Take a moment to notice the many accents designed to make any mariner feel at home. Follow a directional arrow of the inlaid Compass Rose to the silver fish sculptures as they head up-stream to the second floor which houses the bayside and lighthouse dining areas, as well as, the inviting bar.
Enter the bayside dining room, the heart of the club, as most of the extensive social event cal-endar, including fun themed parties, are held in this beautiful space. The Social Member Team creates events which are as beautiful as they are fun, while this room may also provide your backdrop for a private event or meeting. The colors of the newly installed custom carpet from Ireland will draw you into this masterpiece of undersea calm and contentment, as coral reefs mix with an aqua hue. See the evening atmosphere transform as one thousand crystal cylin-ders come together to create three chandeliers in the dining room which provide soft, romantic lighting throughout.
Perhaps you may wish to sample Executive Chef Michael Madsen and his team’s culinary de-lights, designed for the gourmet as well as the casual palette. Every dining option, from the pool bar, to the lighthouse, to the more formal dining room, highlights creations from this Chef’s talented hands. During season, a seat will be waiting for you.
The second Compass Rose directs all members to the bar for a libation. Sit under the glow of the glass twenty foot sailboat, while a friendly bartender creates a special cocktail, full-tilt or virgin, or pours an excellent glass of wine just for you.
Although this is a yacht club, owning a boat is not a necessity at NSYC. 40% of members do not own boats and prefer to have their two feet on the soil. However, for the other half who own a seaworthy vessel, NSYC’s floating dock can accommodate up to 75 member boats in its marina. A few slips are also available for transient boaters and members may dock their boat at the T-dock to stop in for a quick lunch or dinner. NSYC Marina Dock Master, Amanda Wentworth, stands ready to help you with your boating needs.
A detailed Cruise Itinerary organized by Fleet Captain Kelly Flynn aboard Irish Rose guides member boaters as they travel to various Florida Ports-of-Call, including Boca Grande and Galleon Marina in the heart of Key West. This year, Commodore Schwalback will lead a cruise and island hop through the Bahamas.
Additional ‘Clubs within this Club’ focus upon other member interests including: sailing,
classic cars, books, and wine clubs, to name only a few.
Please contact Ann Marie at 239-774-0424, or [email protected] to explore NSYC membership opportunities. Your new friends are waiting.