After nine months of construction, a newly opened two-story, 2,440-square foot Marine Recreation Center will serve as the focal point for all sailing and watersport activities at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club (GPYC).
Surrounded by floating docks, a variety of sailboats, and kayak and jet ski storage, the facility features an area for classroom instruction for neighboring schools, equipment storage, restrooms, and a water bottle refilling station, eliminating the walk back to the clubhouse.
Past commodore James Morrow says the GPYC Board has been working on the project for two years. The designer was Boston-based architect Patrick Ahearn. Located in the southwest corner of the club’s harbor, the center will be utilized almost year-round, including hosting GPYC sailing lessons in the summer and 5-10 local high school sailing programs in the fall and spring.
“Our goal is to elevate the level of practice and education for these sailors and to become the most respected facilitator for youth sailing in the country,” says Wally Cross, a GPYC sailing professional.
The club will also continue to host Stadium Sailing events, where short races are held near the seawall to give spectators a front row seat to the action. The Marine Recreation Center is also equipped with bleachers, as well as a second-story lookout deck.
The GPYC was founded in 1914 by a group of 25 sailing and iceboating enthusiasts and is located on the shore of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores. The club includes a private marina and sailing club, and the organization is a member of the Detroit Regional Yacht-Racing Association.
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