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Ford Yacht Club


734-676-8422
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Learn about Ford Yacht Club


Ford Yacht Club is a family oriented, pet friendly organization on the southwestern tip of Grosse Ile, Michigan.  Perfectly located at the mouth of the Detroit River and Lake Erie’s Western Basin, you will find many protected coves, sand bars, islands, and fishing holes to offer a variety of boating options.

The 174 acres of wooded grounds provide a very beautiful and secluded setting. The complex includes a marina, clubhouse and restaurant, children’s playground, various pavilions, and all the necessary amenities. The new pool and bathhouse opened for the 2023 season.  These offerings provide an environment for well-rounded boating and social activities that our members and guests enjoy.
The grounds are semi-wooded and provide a private paradise uninhibited by houses and corporations.  The pavilions are available for picnics and other gatherings as well as a large gas barbeque grill near the clubhouse. Around the grounds you will also find the shaded children's playground, a basketball 1/2 court, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit.

Our lakefront property has a sandy beach and a large bonfire pit. To the east is Round Island, a very large and undeveloped wooded island that provides privacy for the club complex complete with walking trails and a small beach. On the west shore of the club is Banana Island, which protects the harbor and provides a beautiful view from the club grounds. 

Ford Yacht Club is a not-for-profit corporation, owned and operated by the members.  A board of directors is elected by the equity members of the club.  The board administers all financial and operating functions.  As a member run organization, volunteer effort is used to complete small/recurring projects and provide equipment and facility maintenance.  Members are required to complete work hours each year to support the projects and maintenance.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

There are four active membership categories at the Ford Yacht Club
  • Junior Member—This class of membership provides limited club social services with limited marina services to individuals between 18 & 26 years of age
  • Basic Member—This class of membership provides all club social services with limited marina services.
  • Regular Member—This class of membership provides all club services except the right to a permanent dock assignment. Launch ramp access and trailer boat storage is the key feature to this membership class.
  • Equity Member—This class of membership provides all club services and the right to a permanent dock, dependent on availability.
 Brief Glance of Membership Costs
Equity $4,000 one-time fee.    Monthly dues: $92.00
Regular $1,500 one-time fee.    Monthly dues: $92.00
Basic $750 one-time fee.    Monthly dues: $74.00
Junior – See Membership Chairperson
Senior – See Membership Chairperson  

Minimum required spend: $200 per quarter, April through December for Basic, Regular, Equity Memberships towards food and drink purchases in Dining Room, Bar and Pool.
This is just a very brief glance of membership costs. The Membership Chairperson will give you a packet with the full details when you attend a membership meeting.
All rates and fees on this website are subject to change without notice.        

   Please contact us to learn more, we would love to show you around our beautiful Club...


The button below will gather a minimal amount of contact info and send an email to our membership chairperson who will then get in touch with you:
 Click for Member Sign Up          


Ford Yacht Club Heated Pool

The heated pool has a minimum depth of 6 inches in the kids’ area with a water mushroom spray fountain. This area gradually slopes towards the underwater steps for easy access to approximately three feet of water. The maximum pool depth is five feet.
  • No lifeguard, all swimming is at your own risk.
  • Enclosed bathrooms and showers for both men and women.
  • Pool house also has a laundry area at the west end of the building with coin operated washer and dryer for members and guest use.
  • Pool deck has lounge chairs, tables with umbrellas and chairs.  
  • Permanent outside bar with high top chairs; food and drink can be ordered from the kitchen and enjoyed at the pool side bar when posted.
  • Pool was built with a swim up pool bar which is currently not open yet.
  • Pool season: opened in the spring through September, weather permitting.



Marina

The marina facility offers 281 boat wells, to support all types of vessels ranging in length from 15 to 60 feet.  All wells are equipped with electricity and city water. The Club maintains a fuel dock with diesel and ethanol free gasoline, pump out station, a gin pole for mast handling, and equipment for moving and launching sail and power boats up to 15 tons. Winter storage is available for approximately 350 boats.  The marina has two separate harbor facilities. The clubhouse separates the two harbor entrances. To the West of the clubhouse is the West Basin. The East Basin on Frenchman’s Creek. The club’s travel lift, gin pole, fuel dock and pump out are located on the East basin. Located in the back of the property is a gated small boat launch ramp and a Single point lift / gin pole for launching smaller dinghies and sailboats.

DOCKAGE

Permanent dock assignments are only available to Equity Members of Ford Yacht Club. Our Basic and Regular members have the right to limited overnight stays in available open wells. All docks in the Ford Yacht Club have both minimum and maximum lengths plus maximum beams assigned to them. All dock assignments are based on the boat’s overall length (including bow pulpits and swim platforms). The maximum running length the club can handle is 60 feet.  Docks do have a minimum billing length.  Only boats that meet the criteria will be assigned to a dock on a permanent basis.  Dock bidding is from October to March.  The bid process consists of the boat's compatibility to the dock and the member’s seniority date. Floating (temporary) or second boat dock assignments are made from April to September. Any dock that does not have a permanent assignment or is not planned to be used by the dock owner can be assigned as a floating dock. To qualify, the member must be Equity or Transitional status and the boat must be compatible with the dock. Floating dockage is only valid for the current season and we try our hardest to not move any boats once the dock has been filled. Water and electricity are billed based on boat size.

STORAGE

Boat storage on the FYC grounds is available to all members. The Equity members have first rights to storage, followed by the Regular and then Basic members. We have the facilities to store all our members' boats on our property. Haul out and Launch days are set up by the club to assist members with their boats.  We have members who are certified to run the travel lift and other equipment. The shoring, covering and preparations are the responsibility of the boat owner. Storage is available during the summer and winter. The storage rates apply to each storage period.  Boats not launched during the boating season will be charged Summer Storage. We also allow members who use the boat ramp, to use the storage facilities so they do not have to haul their small boats back and forth. They pay the storage rates for the season used.

CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES

The Ford Yacht Club clubhouse was rebuilt in 1991.  There are many areas inside and outside the club that create unique experiences under one roof.  There is a recently expanded outdoor patio  with food and drink service .   The main floor contains the dining room, a lounge, the Ship’s Store, office, children’s playroom, and restrooms.  There is 24 hour/365 day a year access to the main lobby and restrooms/showers and WiFi internet  access inside the clubhouse and all over the marina.

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Dining Room
Ford Yacht Club offers a casual atmosphere to enjoy a lovely meal with a spectacular view of Lake Erie and the Detroit River.  From sandwiches and burgers to our famous prime rib dinner, you are sure to find something you will love.  
Dining room rental is available to members from Labor Day to Memorial Day with a capacity for up to 170 people.  Food is always available in the Lounge area if the Dining Room is closed for a private party.  

Lounge
Our separate cocktail lounge is spacious and well-staffed, with a variety of liquors, wines, and draft/can/bottle beer.

Ship’s Store
Most weekends the Ship’s Store, which is operated by the First Mates, is open for browsing. The store carries nautical clothing, gifts and necessary items. Many of these items carry the Ford Yacht Club logo. If the store is closed, check in the Lounge for assistance.

FIRST MATES

The First Mates organization was formed in 1959. The formation was strictly as a venue for the wives to become involved in the club. Although it is still a women’s organization, it has developed and grown into an auxiliary organization that welcomes gentlemen as boosters and encourages all women who are members or companions of members to join and participate. The First Mates run the Ship’s Store which is in the hallway of Clubhouse. Our store carries not only nautical gifts and Ford Yacht club clothing, but we also have pump out fittings, burgees and various other boating necessities. First Mates also supports various committees with donations whenever possible.  Additional funds at the end of each fiscal year are used to purchase items for the club house or grounds.  Donated to the club from our additional funds have been major items such as the large screen television and a gaming system both located in the children’s activity room. We offer work hours when you help with First Mate activities or work in the Ship’s Store.   The proceeds from the store benefit the women and children’s activities in the club. We traditionally hold children’s parties throughout the year: Easter Party, Halloween Party, and Christmas Party. We also provide events for the women of Ford Yacht Club such as: Spring Fashion Show and Shop Til U Drop event in the Fall.
The First Mates is a terrific way to meet new friends. Unless otherwise noted, we hold open meetings on the second Thursday of the months of January, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room (see Entertainment calendar). We enjoy having demonstrations or informative discussions on topics of interest at the meetings. You can submit any suggestion you may have to enrich our auxiliary (put it in our mailbox).  We also act as a representative for the needs of the women and children at Ford Yacht Club and will take issues and requests to the Commodores and/or the Board of Directors.

We encourage you to attend whenever possible. It is a great way to meet other members. Yearly membership is only $10.00 each for the First Mates or a Male Booster. Support of First Mates helps keep FYC a wonderful family-oriented Club. Please join us!


RACE COMMITTEE

Ford Yacht Club Race Committee is always looking for volunteers willing to help with the race committee.  We also are always in need of volunteers to be the Race Committee Boats. If you are an FYC member, this is a great way to get work hours and help the racing program! Please let someone on the race committee know if you are interested. We host a large number of Races each year. As a member you will be able to participate in other races from local clubs. BOAT OF THE YEAR
Ford Yacht Club offers perpetual trophies for the Boat of the Year in PHRF Spinnaker and PHRF JAM.

SMALL BOAT SAIL RACING
Lightning Fleet 233
Ford Yacht Club is the home of Lightning Fleet 233. Lightning sailboats are the reason there is a lightning bolt in the club burgee, this was the first class of boats sailed out of FYC when it was founded. Currently FYC has 10 Lightning’s on the grounds that dry sail and race. We are looking to grow the fleet with more boats and crew. If you are interested contact the FYC Race Committee for more information.  
Force 5 Fleet #107
Ford Yacht Club is also host to the local Grosse Ile Force 5 fleet #107. With almost 10 boats in the area, this is an easy way to get out racing as you don’t need to find a crew… just get in a boat and race.

Lightning Sailboat

BIG BOAT SAIL RACING

PHRF — Spinnaker and Jib and Main Racing FYC has a long tradition of big boat racing and offering both Spinnaker and Jib and Main races throughout the year.   One Design S2 7.9 Fleet #15 Ford Yacht Club is now home to the S2 7.9 Fleet #15.  One design racing is some of the most competitive racing there is, and this is a great boat to get started in! For more information on the S2 7.9 visit S2 7.9 Class Association.


VISITING FYC

The members of Ford Yacht Club are proud of our club’s beautiful facilities located at the picturesque gateway to Lake Erie. We are especially proud of the reputation we have developed as having a friendly and cordial membership. We welcome visitors from affiliated clubs. Our clubhouse and marina are maintained by both the members and our professional staff. Please help us keep it beautiful and well managed by adhering to the Clubhouse and Marina rules. If you are visiting for dinner during the non-boating season (Labor Day to Memorial Day), we suggest that you check the calendar to be sure the dining room is open. We always have a limited menu selection in the lounge area when the dining room is closed for a special event.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Clubhouse Rules
  1. All guests are required to sign the guest book in the clubhouse if purchasing alcohol from the Lounge by State Law.
  2. Ford Yacht Club is a Private Club open to members, their guests and members of affiliated yacht clubs.
  3. Young children are not allowed on the stairways and balconies without a parent or guardian.
  4. Minors may dine in the Lounge if accompanied by a parent or guardian. They are not allowed in the Lounge after 9pm.
  5. Proper attire please. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times in the clubhouse. Men’s shirts must have sleeves; no bathing suits.
  6. Clubhouse washroom facilities are available 24/7.
Children’s Room Rules
  1. If you have food, please take your dirty dishes to the Dining Room or Lounge when done.
  2. Please leave the room clean and orderly.
  3. Video games and controllers are available in the Lounge. Return them when you are done.
Marina Rules
  1. Please register your boat with the Harbor Master or Lounge staff upon entry into the club.
  2. Our Harbors are a No Wake Zone.
  3. Boats entering have the right of way over boats leaving the harbors.
  4. Sailboats are to be operated under power within the channels/harbors.
  5. All Sailboat Halyards must be secured so they don’t slap the mast on windy days.
  6. Charcoal grills may not be used on docks or boats.
  7. Swimming is not permitted in the East or West harbors due to the potential of electrical shock.
  8. All children under the age of 12 must wear a P.F.D. while on the docks or within 10 feet of any shoreline.
  9. Please refrain from excessive or loud music. Quiet time is 11 pm to 11 am.
  10. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for their clean up with waste bags available around the marina.

AROUND FYC

Transportation
  • Downriver Cab Co - 734 283 8383
  • Wyandotte Cab Co - 734 282 2222
Places of Worship on Grosse Ile
  • St. Thomas Lutheran Church - 9993 Church Rd. - 734 675 0005
  • The Church of The Way - 24200 Meridian - 734 671 1420
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church - 21599 Parke Lane - 734 676 1378
  • Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church - 7925 Horse Mill Rd. - 734 676 8811
  • St. James Episcopal Church - 25150 East River Rd. - 734 676 1727
Restaurants
  • Ford Yacht Club
  • Airport Inn/Pizza & Sandwiches - 9264 Groh Rd. (Delivers) - 734 675 4200
  •  The Tipsy Fish -25555 W River Rd - 734-982-3087
  • Grosse Ile Bakery - 7737 Macomb - 734 676 0411
  • Hoy Pan Chinese - 7599 Macomb - 734 671 4920
  • Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs - 8535 Macomb - 734 675 5800
  • Island Coney - 8200 Macomb - 734 692 6639
  • Kathy’s Cafe/ Restaurant - 9105 Macomb - 734 671 0059
  • Lloyd’s Bar & Grill - 8961 Macomb - 734 675 3117
  • Perdino’s Restaurant - 8575 Macomb - 734 676 8100
  • Starbucks (inside Kroger’s)
  • UME Asian Cuisine - 9105 Macomb - 734 672 6618
Other Points of Interest
  • Grosse Ile Bakery - 7767 Macomb - 734 675 1255
  • Kroger Grocery Store - 8999 Macomb - 734 675 2070
  • DaMark Marine Supply - 29021 Wilson, Gibraltar, Mi - 734 676 2880
  • Macomb Street Market - 7560 Macomb - 734 676 6283
  • CVS - 8985 Macomb - 734 676 6000


The button below will gather a minimal amount of contact info and send an email to our membership chairperson how will then get in touch with you:
 Click for Member Sign Up