ICOYC’s membership comprises some of the most storied and prestigious yacht clubs in the world. Several members have histories dating back centuries, and because of that have much to celebrate when an anniversary or major milestone arrives. Marking these occasions can bring renewed engagement to a club’s membership, boost its profile, and help set the club apart from regional competition. However, as with planning any major event, there are pitfalls to avoid to ensure anniversary celebrations are not derailed.

Proudly boasting the title of the world’s oldest yacht club, ICOYC Member Royal Cork Yacht Club commemorated its 300th anniversary in 2020. “Our anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate sailing worldwide—not just here in Cork,” said Colin Morehead, Royal Cork’s Admiral during their anniversary year and chair of the committee organizing the celebrations. Morehead added that preparations began years in advance, with the first meetings of the committee held in 2012 and heavy planning starting in 2015.

Early preparation certainly helped prepare for this milestone event. The anniversary was given a catchy and sponsor-friendly title—Cork300—that helped center the branding. The celebration included gala dinners with royalty and politicians, which opened the club to the greater public, and helped build excitement for the Cork Week regatta, also scheduled for 2020.

One of Morehead’s other pieces of advice was crucial for the success of Cork300—remain flexible. A majority of the club’s plans were forced to adapt to the Covid pandemic. “We told ourselves that we have to take the lead here and be responsible as things were shutting down,” Morehead said. “It was a really tough decision to make but it was proven to be the right one.” As part of their pivot, Cork300 postponed and modified many events. In 2021, the club hosted a major parade of sails, held an elegant outdoor dinner featuring the Irish Toiseach (prime minister), and engaged key partners like the Irish Navy.

As part of outreach to the community and to celebrate its past, Royal Cork made a conscious effort to educate members on the club’s history with pamphlets, visits to the original clubhouse location, and more. Additionally, Morehead emphasizes that maintaining solid relationships with partners helped to fund the celebrations and also blunted the impact of the cancellations that were beyond the club’s control.

Across the pond, Chicago Yacht Club marked its 150th anniversary in 2025, and similarly leaned into the club’s heritage. Officers and staff ensured that all aspects of the club were included in the festivities. “I first identified the key person to lead our anniversary planning: Club historian Betsy Barrett. Betsy convened a small group of committee members, but also made sure to connect with all committees across the club including those focused on on-the-water activities, nautical education, and social events, to make sure our celebration would be comprehensive,” said 2025 Commodore Chuck Anderson. “In addition, I invited her to all regular Board meetings so that the highest levels of Club leadership would be involved.”

While the entire club was involved, social and racing events were the standout pieces of CYC’s 150th. The anniversary was integrated into running a special edition of the CYC Race to Mackinac. The Ultra Mac, which only happens every 25 years, was scheduled for 2025, and the sailors finished at Chicago Yacht Club before the CYC Race to Mackinac started. A Lakeshore Legacy mark was added to the course that directed the 280 boats along the Chicago shoreline before sailing towards the middle of Lake Michigan towards Mackinac Island, and the celebration concluded with a fireworks display on the island.

Socially, CYC held several events to bring Members together while highlighting the Club’s history. These included events inspired by early Club traditions as well as opportunities to educate members about CYC’s legacy. “One of the anniversary’s most successful highlights, and one that is unique to our Club, was the Pirate Ball to kick off our celebrations,” said Betsy Barrett, CYC’s historian and chair of the 150th Anniversary Committee. “This gala event had been held regularly in the 1920s, but we hadn’t had one in several decades, and we weren’t sure what to expect. The CYC community responded enthusiastically, with nearly 200 of us dressing up as glamorous pirates, dancing to live music, and enjoying a Caribbean themed menu.”

Looking ahead, St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. Current Commodore Susan Ruhne says that planning started about two years ago. “We brought together a cross-section of members, looked at what other clubs had done and gathered feedback on what people have enjoyed,” Ruhne said.

In addition to a special logo for the anniversary year, StFYC is planning a large gala for May of 2027 as well as a special anniversary regatta that highlights the club’s signature fleets. Ruhne hopes that other clubs will send sailors to race in fleets quintessential to San Francisco Bay—including wingfoiling. To commemorate the past century, while highlighting the celebrations, the club will be publishing a book at the end of their centenary year.

“A major challenge in planning our anniversary has been figuring out how to blend it with our regular schedule,” Ruhne added. “We have racing from March to November so we need to figure out where we can plug in or overlay anniversary branding.” Another challenge that is not unique to StFYC is budgeting. However, the StFYC team is optimistic that preparing early and making their celebrations a true San Francisco Bay experience will make the 100th anniversary a year to remember.

When it comes to anniversary celebrations, ICOYC member clubs have shown that it is best to start planning early, involve regular members as well as flag officers and staff, and center the history and legacy of the club. It is also important to remain flexible with plans and be open to community partnerships. It is a major undertaking to celebrate an anniversary, but it is also very much worth the effort to cement a club’s legacy.