- March 10, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
When an organization is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary, coordinators will likely come across stories hidden in history, just waiting to be rediscovered.
That was the case for Lynne Short, chair of the Centennial Committee at the Sarasota Yacht Club. She has been leading the club's year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary, and she has uncovered many intriguing facts along the way.
One photo in particular captured her attention: a black-and-white image of several simple wooden buildings flanked by palm trees and a small dock. The image is dated 1946.
It was a pivotal moment in the club's history, when leaders bought back the property from the United States government, which had occupied the area to facilitate wartime activities during World War II.
The club added a new wing to the clubhouse in 1942 and invited officers from the Sarasota Army Air Corps training base as guests to see it. The government recognized the “strategic value” of the space in 1943, and the club leased it to the military for the war’s duration plus six months for a waterfront Airforce Crash Boat Rescue Base.
The book describes, “During this period, the Club’s facilities played a crucial role in aiding the Federal Government's efforts to rescue the Army Air Force crews who had crashed into the surrounding waters.”
Fragments of that history continue in the club's current activities. For example, one of the young lieutenants formerly stationed at the facility went on to become a Sarasota Yacht Club member, and eventually commodore, who started the tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet.
That picture from the past stands in stark contrast to the SYC facilities now, which center on a 22,068-square-foot clubhouse with a heated pool, fitness center, ornate bar and two dozen social clubs.
Short said she and fellow committee members started preparations for the centennial two-and-a-half years before the anniversary celebrations began.
The official anniversary is June 21, 1926. Committee members decided to set the year of celebration to start with the 2025 Change of Watch last October so it all falls within one "watch year."
The team, comprising a dozen members of the club and senior management staff, worked with Private Club Historical.
As part of the anniversary activities, they assembled a book revisiting the club's history decade by decade.
The book sets the stage in the early 19th century, recounting how an investment group acquired 50,000 acres of frontierland in Sarasota with the vision of creating a "Little Scotland" — an idea that rapidly unravelled in the face of the coldest winter on record in 1885.
Nearly two decades passed before Sarasota incorporated in 1902. Only five years later, pioneer Harry Higel established SYC's precursor, the Sarasota Yacht and Gun Club.
In 1926, founding members created the Sarasota Yacht Club of today, with R. H. Stoddard serving as the first commodore. They met at Calvin Payne's boat house near the Church of the Redeemer.
The following year, the club moved to the Savarese Fish House, merging with the Sarasota Power Boat Association in the process.
"This merger created a vibrant hub for boating enthusiasts, bringing together the best minds, resources and traditions of Sarasota's maritime community under one banner," the book reads.
Readers can find stories about SYC milestones, like when it sponsored the first nationally sanctioned powerboat race on Sarasota Bay, which pilot Fred Blossom, SYC rear commodore, won in his hydroplane, the "Sara De Sota."
Short said uncovering details from SYC's past has helped them incorporate historically accurate elements into their year of activities. For example, the New Year's Eve 1926-themed dinner featured dishes from a real 1920s menu from a downtown Sarasota luxury hotel, featuring chateaubriand and scallops.
Club members have embraced the decade-themed events, showing out in their flowing feathers and flapper-style dresses.
SYC has been holding events throughout the year, starting with a kick-off evening last April with the unveiling of a new permanent history exhibit at the clubhouse. The event, of course, included '20s-inspired cocktails, appetizers and jazz music.
Asked what about the decade has captured members' imaginations, Short said, "I think it's because people had so much fun in the '20s. It was all about being carefree, dressing up and having fun with your friends."
"It set the framework for us to really make this a massive celebration," she said.
The centennial display includes trophies from members' wins at the Lipton Cup races, miniatures of boats, photographs and other maritime memorabilia.
The showcase also recognizes the commodores of the Sarasota Yacht Club through the years with their portraits.
Short thanked board members who have joined in the anniversary events and been good sports about wearing their history-inspired yacht caps.
Working in tandem with the club's 26 special groups, the Centennial Committee is facilitating 16 major events, with details down to the centennial-decorated napkins embracing the celebration.
One event, the Lighting of the Fleet, is an anniversary within an anniversary celebration. The holiday tradition started 50 years ago, and Short said boat captains leaned into the '70s theme with disco balls and lava lamps.
It all leads up to the Oct. 2 Change of Watch with the theme "All Aboard for 100 More."
"Our people love a good party and a theme here," she said. "It's a lot of work to coordinate, but I love it. Most importantly, I love seeing the smiles on our members' faces when they come to these events."
