Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Welcome to Fairhope Yacht Club - Mobile Bay's Premier Yachting Community
Since 1942, Fairhope Yacht Club has served as a cornerstone for boating enthusiasts, blending maritime traditions with modern amenities. Our mission centers on fostering yachting, promoting fellowship, and ensuring safety, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Located on Mobile Bay, we offer state-of-the-art facilities including a 134-slip harbor, dry storage for 37 boats, and a 200-foot pier. Our junior sailing program, recognized as one of the Gulf Coast's premier youth initiatives, has nurtured generations of sailors. The club hosts competitive regattas, social events, and community gatherings, creating a vibrant hub for maritime culture.With a historic clubhouse featuring dining, event spaces, and seasonal pool access, we cater to both casual visitors and dedicated sailors. Our reciprocal agreements welcome guests from affiliated yacht clubs worldwide. Decades of experience inform our commitment to excellence in boating education, facility maintenance, and member engagement. The club's leadership includes certified sailing instructors and maritime professionals with deep local knowledge. Every aspect of our operation reflects a dedication to preserving nautical heritage while embracing innovation in yachting services.
Services
Sailing instruction
Marina services
Event hosting
Dining facilities
Boat storage
Details
- Year established: 1942
Highlights and features
- Established in 1942 with deep maritime heritage
- Premier Gulf Coast youth sailing instruction program
- Full-service marina with 134 wet slips and dry storage
- Hosts nationally recognized regattas and sailing events
- Scenic Mobile Bay location with modern clubhouse facilities
Associations and certifications
- Gulf Yachting Association
Services
Sailing Instruction
Our certified instructors provide sailing education for all ages. Youth programs develop competitive racers while adult courses cover coastal cruising fundamentals. Specialized training includes race strategy and safety protocols.
Marina Services
Full-service marina with 134 wet slips accommodating vessels 19-40 feet. Dry storage available for 37 trailered boats. Amenities include pump-out station, boat hoists, and launching ramp facilities.
Event Hosting
Host weddings, corporate events, or regattas in our historic clubhouse. Features include dining room, ballroom, and waterfront deck overlooking Mobile Bay's scenic vistas.
Dining Facilities
Enjoy seasonal menus in our restaurant with panoramic bay views. Open for lunch and dinner Friday-Sunday, featuring fresh Gulf seafood and casual dining options.
Regatta Hosting
Organize or participate in competitive sailing events through our GA-sanctioned regattas. Facilities support race management, competitor accommodations, and awards ceremonies.
People
Dave Willits
General Manager
Overseeing daily operations with 15+ years maritime management experience. Ensures seamless event coordination and facility maintenance while upholding club traditions.
John Adams
Commodore
Elected leader guiding strategic initiatives. Third-generation Mobile Bay sailor with extensive racing experience organizing regional and national regatta events.
Steve Savarese
Vice Commodore
Supports program development with focus on youth sailing initiatives. Former collegiate sailing coach instrumental in expanding junior racing programs.
Howie MacNair
Rear Commodore
Manages membership services and reciprocal agreements. Longtime advocate for preserving club heritage while modernizing facilities for new generations.
Jennifer Stanley
Fleet Captain
Coordinates sailing activities and race committees. Certified instructor with multiple national championship titles, specializing in youth development programs.
Questions
How do I become a member?
Complete our application form available online or contact the main office for membership details and current availability.
What sailing programs are available?
We offer youth sailing schools, adult lessons, competitive racing teams, and regatta participation opportunities for all skill levels.
Can non-members use facilities?
Reciprocal yacht club members receive guest privileges. Contact us for specific access details and reservation requirements.
Are boat rentals available?
While we don't rent boats directly, our marina accommodates private vessels and provides storage solutions for member-owned boats.
What events do you host?
Annual events include regattas, Jubilee celebrations, holiday markets, and community sailing days with special programming throughout the year.
Reviews (5)
Robert Talley
Dec 24, 2021
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Always love visiting the yacht club with my in-laws. It is overlooking the bay. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. They mix up their menu often enough to keep it fresh. Dont forget to stop by the bar and order a bushwacker.
Ryne Teague
Aug 16, 2020
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We had our wedding here and though they've had some recent turn over Jodi and Matthew made our wedding day awesome. I really recommend the ballroom with the draping -- it came out beautifully and was perfect for 50-75 person wedding. Plus it was much less expensive then anywhere else!
Donna Boswell
Oct 11, 2019
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My organization met there since some of our members belong to the Club. The lunch was outstanding! Kudos to the present chef. The service was excellent as well. And the dessert Devine!
Jacque Mccants
Aug 13, 2019
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I love FYC. Great place for dinner with friends. Nice staff and wonderful service. I love the harbor and the sounds of the sailboats in the wind. The pool is top notched. The porch and the rocking chairs to watch the sunset is nice way to relax.
Anita S. Bolton
Jan 29, 2019
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We just walked around their property. Beautiful place on Fairhope Bay. My friend is a member. The sculpture is from a Live Oak that was killed by the hurricane Catrina in 2005. Artist Marlin Day made the beautiful carving.
