Greater Miami-Dade County is home to 16 distinct yacht clubs and sailing organizations, ranging from private racing clubs founded in the 1880s to ultra-luxury marinas accommodating 550-foot superyachts. The five members of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Racing Association (BBYRA) form the competitive sailing backbone of the region, while clubs like Fisher Island and Deering Bay blend world-class marina facilities with resort-level country club amenities.
Membership costs range from free adaptive sailing at Shake-A-Leg to a $250,000 initiation at Fisher Island Club.
Miami Yacht Clubs — Quick Comparison
All 16 yacht clubs side-by-side. Scroll right on mobile to see all columns.
| Club | Founded | Location | Initiation | Annual Cost | Slips | Max Vessel | Racing | Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne Bay YC | 1887 | Coconut Grove | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | Small | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Miami YC | 1927 | Watson Island | $500–$3,300 | $1,135–$2,139 | 48 | 65 ft | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coconut Grove SC | 1946 | Coconut Grove | $1,500–$2,500 | ~$1,640+ | 200 moorings | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coral Reef YC | 1955 | Coconut Grove | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | 104–135 | 65 ft | ✓ | ✓ |
| Key Biscayne YC | 1955 | Key Biscayne | Undisclosed | Undisclosed | 150 | 60 ft | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fisher Island Club | ~1987 | Fisher Island | ~$250,000 | ~$19K–$25K | 2 marinas | 250 ft | — | — |
| Deering Bay Y&CC | 1991 | Coral Gables | $18K–$60K | $9K–$12K | 121 | 132 ft | — | — |
| Sunset Harbour YC | 2003 | Miami Beach | Equity purchase | Equity model | 125 | 150+ ft | — | — |
| Turnberry Marina | 1967 origin | Aventura | Contact club | Contact club | 68 | 180 ft | — | — |
| Cocoplum YC | — | Coral Gables | $30,000 | ~$5,300 | 200 | 120 ft | — | — |
| Williams Island | — | Aventura | Contact club | Contact club | 106 | 160 ft | — | — |
| Marina Palms YC | — | N. Miami Beach | ~$2,500/LF | ~$6/LF/mo | 112 | 100 ft | — | — |
| Bal Harbour YC | — | Bal Harbour | Contact club | Contact club | Varies | 160 ft | — | — |
| Shake-A-Leg | 1990 | Coconut Grove | Free/low-cost | Free/low-cost | Adaptive fleet | — | — | ✓ |
| Island Gardens (IGY) | — | Watson Island | Berth rental | Berth rental | ~50 | 550 ft | — | — |
| Venetian Marina & YC | 2021 rebrand | Edgewater | Slip rental | Slip rental | 185–222 | 130 ft | — | — |
The Historic 'Big Five' of Biscayne Bay
These five clubs compose the BBYRA and represent the core of organized yacht racing in Miami-Dade County. They host the lion's share of regattas, youth sailing programs, and competitive racing on Biscayne Bay.
Miami's oldest yacht club (est. 1887), founded by Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe. Internationally renowned youth windsurfing program producing Olympic-caliber athletes. Home of the Sunburn Regatta and Etchells Fleet 20.
Key Amenities
Marina
Self-described 'Home of Sailing Champions' on Watson Island with panoramic views from Venetian Causeway to Port of Miami. Has produced Olympic-level sailors. Hosts the Miami-to-Key Largo Race.
Key Amenities
Marina
'The only Sailors Only club in South Florida' — membership focused on sailing passion, not wealth. Over 1,100 members, 10,000+ children taught to sail. Home of the UM Sailing Team.
Key Amenities
Marina
Arguably the most prestigious yacht club in South Florida. Ranked among Platinum Clubs of America's Top 30 Yacht Clubs (2025–2026). Member of the International Council of Yacht Clubs.
Key Amenities
Marina
Over 1,000 members on a 5-acre waterfront campus. Presidential connection: Nixon appeared on Life magazine cover at KBYC in 1969. Hosts the annual Columbus Day Regatta.
Key Amenities
Marina
Luxury Yacht Clubs & Country Club Hybrids
These clubs combine marina facilities with resort-level amenities — emphasizing lifestyle, dining, golf, and superyacht docking rather than competitive sailing.
One of the most exclusive residential communities in the world — 216-acre private island accessible only by ferry or private yacht. America's most expensive ZIP code as of October 2025.
Key Amenities
Marina
The only private club between the Florida Keys and Palm Beach County with both a deep-water marina and a championship golf course. Managed by Troon Privé.
Key Amenities
Marina
South Beach's only private yacht club and the only U.S. yacht club ranked among Superyachts.com's 'Best in the World.' Won Best Marina of Miami Beach three consecutive years.
Key Amenities
Marina
Recently completed multi-million-dollar renovation. Linked to the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa with complimentary shuttle service.
Key Amenities
Marina
Residential Marina Yacht Clubs
These facilities carry the 'yacht club' name and have organized governance but primarily serve the residents of their respective gated communities.
A fully staffed, full-service marina within the gated Islands of Cocoplum community. Operates with traditional yacht club governance but focuses on marina operations.
Key Amenities
Marina
Exclusive residential community marina on the Intracoastal Waterway within the high-end Williams Island community.
Key Amenities
Marina
Miami-Dade's first luxury condominium and yacht club project in decades. Two 24-story towers with 468 residences. Marina managed by US Marina Group.
Key Amenities
Marina
A private, security-focused marina within the exclusive guard-gated Bal Harbour Village. Positioned as 'South Florida's Best Marina.'
Key Amenities
Marina
Nonprofit & Adaptive Sailing
Community-focused organizations providing accessible sailing programs for people of all abilities.
Founded by Harry Horgan, a paraplegic, Shake-A-Leg has set a world standard for adaptive sailing. Serves 10,000+ people annually (~25% with disabilities). Programs generally free, funded through philanthropy.
Key Amenities
Marina
Superyacht & Specialty Marinas
Premium yacht-oriented facilities with concierge-level service, catering primarily to large and mega-yacht owners.
The first deep-water superyacht marina of its capacity in the Western Hemisphere. A marquee destination during Art Basel, Miami Boat Show, and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Key Amenities
Marina
Formerly Sea Isle Marina, acquired by Integra Investments in 2021. Currently undergoing substantial renovation. Hosts the Miami International Boat Show (~100,000 annual patrons).
Key Amenities
Marina
Clubs That Didn't Make the Cut — And Why
Several entities in Miami-Dade use "yacht club" in their name but are not functioning yacht clubs in any traditional sense.
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