Detroit Yacht Club (Images of America)

The Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) began in 1868, shortly after the end of the Civil War. Since its founding, the yacht club has played an essential role in Detroit society. Under the leadership of Gar Wood and Gus Schantz, Detroit became the world's center for the new sport of speedboat racing. America's 1932 Olympic swim team competed at the club en route to its gold medal victories, and from 1932 to 1935, the club hosted bouts for Detroit's Golden Gloves boxing tournament. Today's clubhouse was designed by George Mason, the architect of Detroit's Masonic Temple and Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. Completed in 1923 and in the National Register of Historic Places, it is the DYC's fifth clubhouse, and at 93,658 square feet, it is the largest yacht club facility in the United States. Over time, the club has evolved from only male members to an inclusive club with a diverse membership.