Premier Private Yacht Club Since 1955 – Over 50 Years of Yachting Excellence
Coral Reef Yacht Club (CRYC) is one of Miami’s most prestigious and historic private yacht clubs, established in 1955 when the first Board of Directors purchased the beautiful clubhouse from the George Engle estate. Steeped in history and tradition, CRYC has grown to be known as a premier yachting center, attracting sailors from around the world to participate in some of the best yacht racing competitions on Biscayne Bay. Centrally located in Coconut Grove with direct access to the Gulf Stream, ICW, Florida Keys, and the Bahamas, the club offers rich tradition combined with exceptional facilities, warm hospitality, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Club Overview & Location
- Address: 2484 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133
- Location: Coconut Grove, Biscayne Bay waterfront
- Coordinates: 25°43.900’N 80°13.780’W
- Phone: (305) 858-1733 (main)
- Phone: (305) 858-1733 – Ext 216 (dockmaster/reservations)
- VHF Radio: Channel 71 (monitored)
- Website: www.coralreefyachtclub.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Founded: 1955
- Type: Private yacht club with reciprocal privileges
- ICW Position: Mile Marker 1094.0
- Management: Member-owned, not-for-profit corporation
Coral Reef Yacht Club – Coconut Grove
Coral Reef Yacht Club occupies a stunning waterfront location in Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. The club sits on Biscayne Bay with direct access to world-class cruising and racing waters, making it an ideal home base for yachtsmen who enjoy sailing, fishing, cruising, and diving.
Table of Contents
Historic Clubhouse & Estate
George Engle Estate (1955)
Historic Purchase
- 1955: First Board of Directors purchased property
- Original estate: George Engle family
- Beautiful architecture: Stately design
- Royal palm driveway: Iconic entrance
- Biscayne Bay location: Prime waterfront
The original purchase price for the Engle estate was $125,000. In comparison, the Floridian Hotel downtown was priced at $750,000 at the time. Early remodeling of the estate produced an enlarged dining area, kitchen, and a bar/lounge from the former garage, with card and committee rooms upstairs.
Clubhouse Today
- 6,000 sq ft Clubhouse – Elegant gathering spaces
- 12,000 sq ft Boathouse – Marina facilities and operations
- Elegant dining room – Fine dining, private events available
- Lounge – Casual dining and socializing
- Yardarm Bar – Popular gathering spot
- Rooftop bar – Spectacular bay views
- Heated pool – Poolside relaxation
- Patio – Reef Bar outdoor seating
Rich Tradition & Mission
Over 50 Years of Yachting Excellence
Club History
For over fifty years, sailors from all over the world have entered through Coral Reef’s stately royal palmed driveway to participate in some of the best yacht racing competitions in the world. Originally established as the Royal Palm Yacht Club by fifty sailors with a vision for a better South Florida yacht club, it was incorporated as Coral Reef Yacht Club in August 1955.
General Nature & Object
“To associate together residents of the Greater Miami area and other persons having a common interest in boating; to provide boating and social facilities for our Members and their guests; to promote good boating practices; to bring to light the advantages of this area as a yachting center and to promote regattas and other types of marine competition.”
What Sets CRYC Apart
- Rich tradition – Decades of yachting heritage
- Exceptional facilities – Modern amenities, historic charm
- Professional service – Dedicated staff
- Warm hospitality – Welcoming atmosphere
- Relaxed environment – No coat and tie requirement
- Vibrant community – Active, engaged membership
- World-class regattas – Prestigious racing events
Marina Facilities
Protected Basin for Yachts & Sailboats
Slip Capacity
- 104 total slips – Variety of sizes
- Vessels up to 65 feet – Maximum length
- Dock type: Floating docks
- Approach depth: 7.0 feet MLW
- Dockside depth: 7.0 feet MLW
Dock Amenities
- 30 amp electrical – Available
- 50 amp electrical – Available
- 100 amp electrical – Available
- Fresh water at slips
- Pump-out service – Available
- Professional dockmaster – Christian Gomez
- Well-maintained docks – Regular upkeep
Crane Services
- Crane available – For mast stepping and heavy lifts
- Professional operators – Experienced handling
Visiting Yachtsmen
Florida Council of Yacht Clubs Reciprocal
FCYC Members Welcome
Coral Reef Yacht Club is a proud member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs and welcomes visiting Council Club members.
Reservation Requirements
- Make reservations in advance – Contact: [email protected] or (305) 858-1733
- Your membership card required for access to CRYC
- Reciprocal privilege usage limited to:
- Once per calendar quarter
- Guests living outside 50-mile radius of the club
Visiting Yacht Rates
- $5.00 per foot daily dockage
- No charge for Day 1 for FCYC Members
- Contact dockmaster for reservations: Ext 216
Office Hours
- Tuesday through Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Visitor Protocol
- Hail on VHF Channel 71
- Present membership card upon arrival
- Respect club rules and traditions
- Enjoy club facilities during visit
World-Class Yacht Racing
Prestigious Regatta Host
CRYC is known worldwide as host to some of yachting’s most prestigious regattas and racing events.
Major Regattas
- International competitions – World-class sailors
- Regional championships – Southeast racing circuit
- Local series – Regular weekend racing
- One-design classes – Multiple fleets active
- Offshore races – Gulf Stream and Keys events
Racing Tradition
- Over 50 years hosting competitions
- Professional race management
- Excellent race committee volunteers
- Well-marked courses
- Fair, competitive racing
- Awards and trophies
- Post-race celebrations
Popular Racing Classes
- Various one-design fleets
- PHRF handicap racing
- Cruising class
- Youth sailing programs
- Women’s sailing initiatives
Club Activities & Lifestyle
Vibrant Yachting Community
Boating Activities
- Sailing: Weekend racing series, Cruising rallies, Sailing instruction, Regattas and championships
- Fishing: Offshore fishing trips, Reef and wreck fishing, Flats fishing expeditions, Fishing tournaments
- Cruising: Club cruises to Keys, Bahamas trips, Gulf Stream crossings, Island hopping adventures
- Diving: Reef diving excursions, Wreck exploration, Spearfishing trips, Underwater photography
Social Activities
- Dining: Elegant dining room (no coat/tie required), Casual lounge, Yardarm Bar, Reef Bar on patio, Rooftop bar with panoramic bay views. 100+ meals served regularly with consistently praised quality and professional, friendly wait staff.
- Recreation: Heated pool, Patio gatherings for sunset watching, Regular social events and holiday celebrations.
- Traditions: Santa arrives by boat for Christmas, Gingerbread house decorating, Halloween on the docks.
Facilities & Amenities
Comprehensive Club Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Buildings | 6,000 sq ft Clubhouse, 12,000 sq ft Boathouse, Elegant dining room (private events available), Lounge, Rooftop bar, Yardarm Bar, Meeting facilities |
| Waterfront | Heated pool, Patio with Reef Bar, Marina with 104 slips, Professional dockmaster |
| Amenities | Clean restrooms, Showers, Ice, Basic marine supplies in Ship store, Snacks |
| Services | Professional security, Pet-friendly (check policies), Meeting facilities |
| Nearby | Grocery stores (2 mi), Restaurants (Coconut Grove), Hotels (2 mi), Shopping (CocoWalk), Banks/ATMs |
Membership
Private Equity Club
- Structure: Private membership required, sponsorship by existing members, shared interest in boating.
- Benefits: Marina slip (when available), dining privileges, pool access, social events, racing/cruising participation, reciprocal privileges with other clubs.
- Summer Sailing Camp: Two-week sessions (June-August), open to non-members for youth instruction. More information is available at www.coralreefyachtclub.org.
Strategic Biscayne Bay Location
Perfect Position for Cruising & Racing
- Direct Access To: Gulf Stream, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Florida Keys, Bahamas, Biscayne Bay.
- Coconut Grove Advantages: Historic sailing community, charming walkable village with fine dining, shopping, arts, and culture.
- Nearby Marinas: Dinner Key Marina, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Monty’s Raw Bar, Grove Isle.
Find Professional Yacht Services
Need Boat Maintenance or Repairs at CRYC?
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Common Services Available
- Sail repair and service – Lofts nearby
- Rigging work – Standing and running rigging
- Engine service – Diesels and outboards
- Bottom painting – Antifouling specialists
- Detailing – Professional yacht cleaning
- Electronics installation – Modern systems
- Fiberglass and gelcoat – Refinishing experts
- Canvas and upholstery – Custom fabrication
- Mechanical systems – All yacht systems
- Electrical work – 12V/24V systems
Why Choose Coral Reef Yacht Club?
- Over 50 Years of Tradition: Established 1955, steeped in yachting heritage.
- World-Class Racing: Host to prestigious international regattas.
- Exceptional Facilities: Historic clubhouse, modern marina, full amenities.
- Prime Coconut Grove Location: Direct access to Gulf Stream, Keys, Bahamas.
- Vibrant Community: Active, engaged membership with shared passion.
- Warm Hospitality: Welcoming atmosphere, relaxed environment.
- Fine Dining: Multiple restaurants and bars, no dress code.
- Family Friendly: All ages welcome, youth programs available.
- Reciprocal Privileges: Florida Council of Yacht Clubs member.
- Professional Service: Experienced staff, quality facilities.
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Sailing: Excellent 12 months
- Water Temperature: 72-86°F
- Air Temperature: 68-90°F
- Best Months: November – April
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coral Reef Yacht Club private?
Yes, CRYC is a private yacht club. Membership and private parties require sponsorship by existing members.
Can I visit if I’m a member of another yacht club?
Yes! CRYC welcomes members of Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. Reservations required, limited to once per quarter for guests outside 50-mile radius.
What are the visiting yacht rates?
$5.00 per foot daily. No charge for Day 1 for FCYC members. Contact dockmaster for reservations.
Is there a summer sailing camp?
Yes, two-week sessions June-August, available to non-members. Visit www.coralreefyachtclub.org for details.
What dining options are available?
Elegant dining room, casual lounge, Yardarm Bar, Reef Bar on patio, and rooftop bar – all with excellent food and views.
Can I participate in races?
Members can race. Visitors should inquire about crew opportunities during regattas.
Is there a pool?
Yes, heated pool overlooking the marina with beautiful views.
Contact Information
Coral Reef Yacht Club
2484 South Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Coconut Grove
Phone: (305) 858-1733
Dockmaster/Reservations: (305) 858-1733 – Ext 216
VHF: Channel 71 (monitored)
Email (Visitors): [email protected]
Website: www.coralreefyachtclub.org
Dockmaster: Christian Gomez
Office Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Coral Reef Yacht Club – Where tradition meets excellence since 1955
