About - Coral Reef Yacht Club

About Us

Coral Reef Experience

Our beautiful clubhouse was purchased by Coral Reef Yacht Club's founding Board of Directors from the George Engle estate in 1955. Steeped in history and tradition, Coral Reef Yacht Club has grown to become one of the nation's premier yachting centers. For more than seventy years, sailors from around the world have entered through our stately royal palm-lined entrance to participate in some of the most prestigious competitions in yacht racing.

The purpose of the Club remains much the same today as it was at its founding: to bring together individuals who share a passion for boating; to provide exceptional boating, sailing, and social facilities for members and their guests; to promote good seamanship and sportsmanship; to showcase the advantages of Biscayne Bay as a world-class yachting destination; and to foster regattas and other forms of marine competition.

Centrally located in Coconut Grove on the shores of Biscayne Bay, one of the world's premier boating and sailing venues, Coral Reef Yacht Club offers direct access to the Gulf Stream, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. The Club is known worldwide for its warm hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, outstanding facilities, and role as host to some of yachting's most prestigious regattas.

Our vibrant community of yachtsmen and women enjoys sailing, fishing, cruising, and diving with like-minded enthusiasts. After a day on the water, members gather poolside, enjoy cocktails with friends at the Reef Bar or ReefTop Bar overlooking the bay, and dine in a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the Club's unique blend of elegance and casual waterfront living.

Coral Reef Yacht Club is where a truly exceptional yachting lifestyle comes to life. We invite you to discover the camaraderie, traditions, dining, and year-round activities that have made Coral Reef Yacht Club a distinguished club.

Club Amenities & Facilities

Members and their guests enjoy access to a wide range of facilities and activities designed to support an exceptional yachting lifestyle:

Waterfront & Facilities

At the heart of the Club are our 6,000-square-foot waterfront clubhouse and 12,000-square-foot boathouse, providing members with exceptional boating, dining, social, and event facilities overlooking Biscayne Bay.

100-slip marina with power and water service
Three small-boat hoists
Dry storage area for boats
Direct access to Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas
Modern shower facilities

Dining & Social Spaces

Elegant waterfront dining room
Casual dining venues and lounges
ReefTop Bar overlooking Biscayne Bay
Yardarm Bar and Reef Bar
Large veranda with marina and bay views
Poolside dining and weekend breakfast service
Private event and meeting spaces

Recreation & Family Activities

Heated swimming pool
Youth sailing programs recognized nationally and internationally
Family activities and holiday celebrations throughout the year
Fishing tournaments and angling events
Cruising, boating, and waterfront social activities
Sailing regattas ranging from local competitions to world-class championships

Member Experience

Year-round social calendar
Monthly publication, Reef Points
Reciprocal privileges with yacht clubs throughout Florida and around the world
Active committees and member-led programs that foster friendship, engagement, and Club traditions

Dining

Dining at Coral Reef Yacht Club is one of the Club’s most cherished traditions, bringing members together to enjoy exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and some of the most beautiful waterfront views in South Florida.

Whether enjoying a relaxed lunch with family, cocktails with friends after a day on the water, or an elegant evening dinner overlooking Biscayne Bay, members have a variety of dining experiences to enjoy throughout the Club. From casual waterfront dining to more refined settings, every space reflects the welcoming and timeless atmosphere that defines Coral Reef Yacht Club.

The Yardarm Bar, Reef Bar, and ReefTop Bar serve as favorite gathering places for members and guests to connect, unwind, and enjoy the Club’s vibrant social atmosphere. With indoor and outdoor seating, refreshing bay breezes, and panoramic waterfront views, these spaces offer the perfect setting for everything from sunset cocktails to weekend gatherings.

Under the leadership of Executive Chef Eduardo Sandoval and Executive Sous Chef Daniel Echeverry, together with their talented culinary team, the Club’s dining program continues to elevate every experience through thoughtfully crafted cuisine, fresh ingredients, and beautifully executed dishes that blend creativity with classic yacht club tradition.

Throughout the year, the Club also hosts a variety of culinary events, holiday celebrations, themed dinners, wine tastings, and social gatherings that further enhance the dining experience and strengthen the sense of community that makes Coral Reef Yacht Club so unique.

Major Regattas

Coral Reef Yacht Club exists to unite individuals who share a passion for yachting, sailing, and life on the water by fostering fellowship, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of boating. Rooted in tradition, the Club promotes excellence in seamanship, competitive sailing, hospitality, and youth development.

Cruising

Cruising is one of the great traditions of life at Coral Reef Yacht Club, bringing members together through a shared passion for boating, adventure, and camaraderie on the water. Whether enjoying a relaxed day cruise on Biscayne Bay, a weekend raft-up with friends, or an extended voyage to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, the Club’s cruising program offers experiences for every style of boater.

The Cruising Committee plays an active role in fostering this vibrant boating culture by organizing a full calendar of cruises, rendezvous, and on-the-water social events throughout the year. From elegant destination cruises to casual waterfront gatherings, members enjoy opportunities to explore new destinations while creating lasting memories with fellow Coral Reef boaters.

The Club’s cruising schedule regularly includes popular destinations such as Bimini, the Abacos, Hawks Cay, Marina del Mar, and the Club’s well-loved Billy’s Point raft-ups, along with many other exciting boating adventures throughout the season. These events bring together an impressive variety of vessels and members who share a love for life on the water and the unique fellowship that defines Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Whether traveling across the Gulf Stream or gathering close to home on Biscayne Bay, cruising at Coral Reef Yacht Club is about far more than the destination itself, it is about tradition, friendship, and the unforgettable experiences shared along the way.

Fishing

Fishing is deeply woven into the culture and traditions of Coral Reef Yacht Club and continues to be one of the many ways members connect through their shared love of the water. From casual family outings on Biscayne Bay to competitive offshore sportfishing in the Gulf Stream and the Bahamas, members of all ages enjoy the camaraderie, adventure, and excitement that fishing brings.

Throughout the year, the Club hosts a variety of fishing tournaments and family-friendly events for both adults and children, creating opportunities for seasoned anglers and young fishermen alike to participate, learn, and build lasting memories on the water. These events have become a cherished part of Club life and reflect the strong sense of fellowship that defines Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Adding to the tradition is the Club’s popular “Reeder’s Leader,” a friendly and ongoing showcase of members’ most memorable catches throughout the season. Whether celebrating a tournament win, a child’s first fish, or an unforgettable day offshore, fishing at Coral Reef Yacht Club is about far more than the catch itself, it is about tradition, storytelling, sportsmanship, and a lifelong connection to the sea.

Family Activities

At Coral Reef Yacht Club, family is at the heart of Club life. Children grow up on the waterfront, making lifelong friendships, learning new skills, and creating traditions that span generations. On any given weekend, the pool is filled with laughter, the lawn becomes a playground for families, and the docks come alive with activity.

Throughout the year, the Club hosts a variety of beloved family traditions and events, including Easter egg hunts, Halloween dock parades, visits with Santa, movie nights, fishing tournaments, and seasonal celebrations designed to bring families together both on and off the water.

Our Family Activities Committee plays an important role in fostering this sense of community by organizing engaging experiences and memorable events for children and families throughout the year.

Youth Sailing remains one of the defining traditions of Coral Reef Yacht Club and is recognized as one of the premier junior sailing programs in the nation. From introductory sailing to competitive racing, young sailors develop confidence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong passion for the water. During the summer months, the Club becomes a vibrant hub for youth programs and camps, offering a wide variety of activities for children of all ages.

Over the years, Coral Reef youth sailors have gone on to become collegiate champions, Sailors of the Year, and world-class competitors, while continuing to represent the Club with pride both nationally and internationally.

Visitors

Reciprocal Privileges at Coral Reef Yacht Club

Florida Council of Yacht Clubs Members

Coral Reef Yacht Club is proud to be a member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs and is pleased to welcome visiting Council Club members.

Reservations are required and should be made in advance by contacting the Front Desk at [email protected] or (305) 858-1733. A valid membership card is required upon arrival for access to the Club.

Please note that reciprocal privileges are limited to once per calendar quarter and are available only to guests who reside outside the Club’s 50-mile radius.

Members arriving by boat are encouraged to visit the Visiting Yachtsman section for additional information.

Yacht Club Members Outside of Florida

Coral Reef Yacht Club is honored to be a member of the International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC), an association of many of the world’s leading yacht clubs dedicated to fostering collaboration and advancing yachting worldwide.

Requests for reciprocal privileges from members of non-FCYC clubs, including fellow ICOYC member clubs, must be submitted at least one week prior to the intended visit.

Please have your yacht club send a Letter of Introduction to the Club’s Director of Member Relations, Vanessa Echeverry at [email protected] requesting the courtesy visit. Reciprocity at Coral Reef Yacht Club is limited and requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Letters of Introduction must include the specific dates requested, not to exceed one week.

Reciprocal privileges are not granted more than once per calendar year and are not available to guests residing within the Club’s 50-mile radius.

Approved reciprocal guests are required to present a credit card at the Front Desk upon arrival in order to obtain a guest card for charging privileges during their visit. A valid membership card or driver’s license is required for Club access. Please note that parking is limited.

Members arriving by boat are encouraged to visit the Visiting Yachtsman section for additional information.

Visiting Regatta Participants and Crew

Regatta participants and their crew may enjoy limited access to Club amenities beginning up to two days prior to the regatta and extending through one day following the event, subject to availability.

Guest cards are issued at the Front Desk upon arrival to competitors whose names have been provided by the Organizing Authority. All charges are settled by credit card, and statements will be emailed directly to the guest card holder.

Letters of Introduction are not required for regatta participants or their crew.

Please see the FAQ for Regatta Participants for additional information.