ABOUT OUR CLUB

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE CLUB - In 1934, a small group of men interested in sailing, discussed the possibility of starting a boat club. The first meeting, held on Captain Fred Burdeno's veranda, was attended by only fourteen men. The club was incorporated in 1935 with Dayton Burdeno elected as the Grosse Ile Yacht Club's (GIYC)'s first commodore. A 45' x 16' houseboat was purchased for $ 500 & used as the club house, anchored outside of "Burdeno's Point" for 3 years.

Inter-club races and wild game dinners were the club's main social features for the GIYC's first 3 years. Boat racing was no piece of pie during that time period. The boats of the late 1930's were comprised of various materials, makes, and dimensions; therefore making (safe) racing undoubtedly difficult. But the challenges were of no consequence or hindrance to the advantageous early GIYC sailor.

The bragging rights for victory in the "July 4th Regatta" was the most sought-after during the GIYC's infancy. It was 1936 when then Commodore Dayton Burdeno created a sailing trophy (awarded annually) to the successful GIYC boat captain who finished first in the "July 4th Regatta." Prides were tall, the men were tough, but so were the seas!

It wasn't just racing that proved predictable, however, but also the unfortunate sinking of the club's headquarters (a steel houseboat) when the wind from a strong Northeaster would blow its gloomy doom. As with boat racing, teamwork was demonstrated during the arduous tasks of continuous welding, pumping, rebuilding, and erecting the GIYC's headquarters.

It wasn't long before the GYC's membership grew to enormous proportions. Due to the rapid growth of the club and the inadequate size and surface area of the docking facilities, it was decided to erect and locate a magnificent addition. The new site addition, after much deliberation, was decided to be named "Peek-A-Boo Island." Named Peek-A-Boo island because it was literally an island that was created (comprised of retaining walls, broken concrete, and top soil). The location for the landmass addition was purchased from Hickory Island in the fall of 1938 for only $7,600!

With the addition of land purchased from the residents of Hickory Island and the engineering triumph that became Peek-A-Boo island, the Grosse Ile Yacht Club became a Yacht Club with one of the most breathtaking views of overlooking one of Michigan's 5 Great Lakes. The GIYC's veranda is certainly beautifully situated and boasts commanding and unobstructed view of Lake Erie. The steel houseboat, or GIYC early headquarters, was towed and anchored in the channel by Peek-A-Boo Island until 1943, and then eventually hauled up from the water and placed on the island (supposedly the members grew tired of its sinking or the work related to its resurrection).

It wasn't until after WWII that, ... finally, new docks were built, the harbor dredged, and sorely needed improvements were made on the club headquarters. The foundation for a new clubhouse was set on the east waterfront corner in a more secure location. However, because of the material shortages during the WWII rationing effort, the clubhouse construction was abruptly stopped. The Germans surrendered, the Allies secured an unconditional surrender from the Japanese, and the GIYC clubhouse was finally completed in 1949.

Many additional auxiliary modifications were made over the next 45 years, one of the most significant renovations was completed during the winter of 1994. In August 1995, the Club re-opened with a polished front entrance, renovated formal galley, and a fully enclosed patio / terrace (complete with a sunken bar to retain an unrestricted view of the Lake). The present membership continues to appreciate and the club continues to prove itself as one of the finest yacht clubs in the magnificent Great Lakes. 

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RACE CENTRAL

Think you can sail? Whether you're a Captain, Skipper, First Mate, or Scurvy Dog, the GIYC has a racing program for you. Come join a boat and race the high seas. The GIYC competes with many other Lake Erie clubs and you'll find a major race at least twice /week.

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