Put-in-Bay Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs on Lake Erie. It was founded as the Put-in-Bay Yachting Association on February 13, 1886 with Valentine Dollar as the organization’s 1st Commodore. Originally, the association was formed by Put-in-Bay businessmen interested in welcoming yachtsmen to the island and promoting Inter-Lake Yachting Association’s annual regatta. The association was re-formed in 1894 as Put-in-Bay Yacht Club. George W. Endrue served as PIBYC’s 1st Commodore.

Early meetings were held in local boathouses. In 1923, PIBYC found a permanent home when Jack J. Day, who owned the old Bay View House which stood on the current side yard of the club, sold land and lake frontage to the club. The clubhouse was built soon after and a pavilion was constructed in front along the shore. Originally, the club had a substantial dock, but it was destroyed many years ago by high water and winter ice.

After World War II, an expanding group of cottage owners became interested in the club and the club experienced new growth in all aspects. A Ladies Auxiliary was established in 1949. Through their efforts, sailing and swimming programs were established in 1950 and 1952. Soon after, a Saturday Sailing Series was started and a fleet of small sailboats began to grow. A galley and shower rooms were added to the club in 1953.

In the 1960s the clubhouse was again enlarged and remodeled. An addition to the back allowed for larger social events and better facilities for the sailing and swimming classes. The Auxiliary installed commercial grade equipment in the galley and purchased furniture. An “L” was added to the dock and additional land was purchased behind the club.

In the 1970s, additional improvements were made to the clubhouse and the grounds. In the early 1980s the front of the clubhouse was strikingly renovated, blending the old with the new. The property directly to the east was also obtained.

More change was the theme of the 1990s. The newly acquired side yard was nautically enclosed, landscaped and paved for parking. The back room was updated with a serving bar and storage cabinets, the galley further equipped, and the front room renewed.

As the Century came to a close, a major addition to the rear of the club offered excellent shower facilities, better storage, and a club office. The front room was enlarged and guest restrooms installed.

The early 2000s brought more renovations and restructured operations with full-time staff. Liquor and food licenses were obtained. Friday suppers and gourmet dinners began. A bar was added to the front room, offering a lounge area for members, guests, and affiliates. An outdoor patio was laid and new docks were constructed enabling PIBYC to offer transient guest docks to all club visitors (available by reservation). In the past 130+ years the club and its physical properties have changed, yet still continue to fulfill the original mission by hosting local and national sail and power regattas and welcoming I-LYA, GCBA, YCA and AYC members to the island.