Marco Island Yacht Club Reopens

I’m not sure I can do the moment justice as we gathered around the port cochere at the Marco Island Yacht Club (MIYC) last Tuesday when Dave Everitt, Board of Director Chairman, welcomed a gathering of very excited and enthusiastic members and guests as they prepared to cut the ceremonial red ribbon for the formal grand opening of the newly renovated clubhouse. 

Everitt explained how grateful he and the committee members were after the ribbon cutting. “Our members and staff have been so gracious and patient during this entire process. We just wanted to express how thankful we all are for their support and understanding,” said Everitt. 

Once the celebratory champagne toasts were done and the bright ribbon cut, the anxious members and guests made their way inside the newly renovated and updated facility. 

These are just some of the comments heard throughout the evening: “I can’t believe how beautiful this is.” “This is like an entirely new building inside, I’m in awe.” “We have so much new space.” 

No matter where you walked, the compliments continued to flow along with broad smiles. Many, if not all of the shortcomings of the original designs and growing pains from the ‘90s have now been resolved. You are now walking into an elegant and well-thought-out design, one which allows much-needed office space above the port cochere. The new and sorely needed second-floor bar was the recipient of many compliments. An interior redesign resulted in more efficient and productive use of space in the expanded dining and gathering area. 

Exterior seating now allows for protection from inclement weather through the installation of well-concealed motorized weather shades, making those areas more useable while improving seating options. Even the first-floor outside bar has been expanded, making it an improved gathering spot for events and receptions.  

The kitchen area has also been modernized with more efficient appliances and a better ergonomic working area for the staff. 

Another important change came from the extensive aesthetic facelift, accomplished by working with Freestyle Interiors, who lightened up the entire interior of the almost three-decade-old original building. Their use of light and vibrant colors, coordinated with better furnishings, appears to have made a considerable difference in the interior of the building, and it didn’t go unnoticed by those touring the updated facility. 

You were also immediately impressed by the improved reception area at the club’s entrance. This greeting area drew your eyes to the 24-foot-high photo reproduction of the original '60s yacht club building that welcomed visitors as they crossed the newly constructed Jolley Bridge. 

On the second floor, a custom-built all-wood tender/dinghy, which was built for the club on the Coast of Maine, is on display. The craft is appropriately named “Friendships Found” and hangs prominently from the ceiling at the top of the second-floor landing.  

MHK Architecture created the design for the renovation, Dave Garret Builders handled construction, and Freestyle Interiors applied their design magic to the interior. Everitt complimented the team and their work in addition to the work done by the MIYC Building Committee headed by Geoff Walker. 

For information about the club and membership, visit their website at  www.marcoislandyachtclub.net or call them at  239-394-0199.