Membership Information

 

The Key Biscayne Yacht Club was founded on January 14, 1955 from very humble beginnings and big dreams. As the story goes, according to the first Commodore Buddy Austin, it all began with some vacant land, a tent, a boat ramp and a mound of dirt.

Key Biscayne has a long and rich history, including a coconut plantation owned by the Mathesons in the early 1900’s. Beginning in 1950’s, the area showed signs of early growth – the Mackle Construction Company offered new homes on the island, the Post Office was opened and the Key Biscayne Elementary School was established in 1952.

Surrounded by water and connected to the Miami mainland by the Rickenbacker Causeway, the Key started to attract new homebuyers who were interested in boating, fishing and water sports. As the island attracted more and more development, coastal areas suitable to launch boats soon became scarce. So the plan was to collect $5 per person to fund construction of a portable hoist. Enthusiastic development meetings at the Community Church soon followed. Eventually, the purchase of a five-acre tract of land resulted in the formal launch of the Yacht Club. Membership Certificates cost $100 and were limited to 250. Today the Club has more than 800 members.

Many of the Club’s early traditions have survived and continue today – the Bimini Rendezvous, the waterfront chowder parties, fishing tournaments, swimming, sailing, and youth activities. One of the best things about the Key Biscayne Yacht Club is the friendships that are built among its members. Early newspaper interviews with founding members report that they were determined to create a friendly, cooperative and constructive attitude among all members. They wanted to have a year round Club that would bring “water minded” residents together in “good sport and good fellowship.” The Club’s beginnings were founded on the basic spirit of friendship and fun and this spirit lives on today. 
 
Key Biscayne Yacht Club is a Private, member-owned and controlled club. We have five categories of membership:
1) Regular 2) Associate 3) Non-Resident 4) Junior Associate 5) Honorary
 

Applicants for membership must be sponsored by at least 3 members (2 sponsors must be Regular members) who have personally known a candidate for at least one year; screened and recommended by the Membership Committee; and approved by the Board of Governors.

* Junior – Offered to Individuals between the ages of 21-35 .

* Non-Resident – Available to non-residents only. Eligibility requires that part-time residents of Dade County not reside in Dade County more than 120 days during the year.

* Associate – A non-equity membership. Associate members and their dependents enjoy all social club privileges afforded members.

* Regular – Holds a financial equity interest in the Club’s real estate, property, facilities and assets. Must be an Associate member for at least 2 years. Privileges include the right to vote, hold office, and priority for wet/dry boat storage. (On occasion equity Regular Memberships are available).

* Honorary – Individuals selected for contributions to the furtherance of boating and the betterment of the Club, limited or life-time status.
 

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